Hashini Ariyarathne – the Sri Lankan female footballer who captured the heart of the game.

Hashini Ariyarathne has captured the world of football by storm as one of Sri Lanka’s next generation female players. In conversation with this talented young lady, her story is full of wisdom and insights for the young woman of today. 

Tell us a little about yourself. How did you get into this field?

“ I started playing football in 2006. In 2009, I became the captain of the women’s football team. How I got  into football was because my brother had been playing this sport for many. So I became very interested in the sport and researched a lot about the sport. I took part in many tournaments.”

On how she joined the national football team 

“ My journey with the national team started out differently.  We have under-16 and under-18 school competitions. At that time, my school had not been selected to play at a national level. I used to go to competitions – I went to one national competition. My friends were playing so when they finished, I also went to play. A coach who was watching, called me and asked if I was playing and I told him my school was not selected. But he told me I was playing well and asked me to come again to play. He had seen the talent in me and eventually, after a considerable amount of hard work and dedication, I got selected for the national team as the Captain –  the national football  team, comprised of many players from outstations as well.”

Some of my  achievements – Hashini Ariyarathne

In 2009, I was the Captain of the Under-16 Women’s National Football Team. I have competed for the 2023 Football Federation Executive Committee. From 2009 to 2012, I represented the Inter-District Games and won first place. In 2011 I became the Best Player and the 37th at National Games. In 2012, I represented the Air Force Women’s Team. In 2010 and 2011, I was awarded Sri Lanka School Sports Colors. In 2014, I represented the Maldives Club Team. And in 2023, I became the Captain of the Standard Chartered Bank Basketball Team. I have been very fortunate in being able to achieve exceptional success as a result of hard work and commitment to the sport.”

About the challenges you have faced along the way 

“In 2009 when I did my G.C.E. O/L , I was playing for the senior national team. My parents encouraged me to continue with my sport because they believed that I could manage my studies along with the sport.I would play and then I would study – but I was able to manage both effectively and was able to pass my exams and still do well in my sport.”

“In 2010, when I was selected for the senior national team, a tournament was held in Bangladesh, so three months before the O/L exam, I was at the football camp – we train for three months before the tournament. So most of the time, they don’t let me go home, especially when the tournament is approaching, but I was allowed to study after training. It was tough because we also had to train hard. Yet I am happy to say I managed both and then went on to take part in South Asian Games.”

“ My family has always supported me in my studies as well as in my football career – which speaks volume for my success.”

Your advice for other young women

“I believe in myself and my abilities. I focus on what I do and I am committed to it. I started football while in school and even now when I am working, I have not given up on my sport. I believe you can manage it all if you have the courage and the determination.”

“ Take care of your physical health which is very important – whatever it is you do, remember that it it a journey and takes time so stay committed in the long run.”