Zahira Rugby Night 2026 Celebrates Excellence and Honours Rugby Champions

The Zahira Rugby Night and Awards Ceremony 2026, organised by the Old Boys’ Rugby Association of Zahira College, Colombo, was held on Saturday, November 7, at the Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel in Colombo.

The event was held under the patronage of Zahira College Principal Trizvi Marikkar, bringing together former players, school officials, coaches, rugby committee members, parents and old boys to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Zahira rugby.

The welcome address was delivered by the Association’s President, Irfan Lye, while former Zahira College rugby captain Rizvi Fuard attended as the Chief Guest and presented awards and recognitions.

The Zahira College First XV rugby team, which finished as runners-up in the 2026 Rugby League tournament, received special recognition for its performance.

Four distinguished former Zahira rugby personalities — Riza Abdeen, Tony Amit, Iftikhar Ahmed and Rizvi Fuard — were also honoured for their outstanding contributions to the development of rugby at the college.

Addressing the gathering, Principal Trizvi Marikkar noted that Zahira College had secured second place at national level during the previous rugby season. He also expressed his appreciation to the Board of Governors, led by its Chairman, Fauzul Hameed, for their dedication to the development of the college.

The Principal further acknowledged the contributions of the coaching staff, college management, rugby committee, teacher-in-charge, parents and old boys who supported the team's achievements.

Members of the 2024 and 2025 First XV rugby teams were also recognised during the ceremony. The Under-14 rugby team, which won the All-Island Championship in 2025, received special recognition for its achievement.

Principal Trizvi Marikkar was also presented with a commemorative memento in appreciation of his valuable contribution, continued encouragement and unwavering support towards promoting and developing sports at Zahira College.

The event was attended by Diamond Best Foods proprietor Jisti Fami as the Guest of Honour. Other distinguished attendees included Rugby Night Organising Committee Chairman Fauzan Anwar, Teacher-in-Charge Rohitha Hettiarachchi, Board of Governors Secretary Nusri Mansoor, Head Coach Radhika Hettiarachchi, Assistant Coach Danushka Botheju, Old Boys’ Association President Hasik Jaleel, Rugby Committee Chairman Aufar Johar, Secretary Shiraz Razak and several other committee members.

The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Association’s Secretary, Mahdi Namees.