Late Ajwad Hashim Memorial Trophy
MALSHIP Group of Companies Sponsors Championship
M. I. Thaha of Moors Sports Club (MSC) was crowned the National 6 Reds Snooker Champion 2026 after a thrilling and closely fought 5–4 victory over Susantha Boteju of YMBA Colombo in the grand final of the 6 Reds Snooker National Championship 2026, played for the prestigious Late Ajwad Hashim Memorial Trophy.
Organised by the Billiards & Snooker Association of Sri Lanka (B&SASL), the championship brought together leading snooker players from across the country in a district-based competition before reaching its decisive knockout stages.
The championship was held with the valued sponsorship of the MALSHIP Group of Companies, whose continued support has contributed significantly towards the promotion and development of cue sports in Sri Lanka.
The tournament commenced with the district competitions, with the Kandy and Ratnapura District Championships conducted on August 8 and 9, followed by the Kegalle, Galle and Gampaha District Championships on August 15 and 16. The Colombo District competition was conducted separately to accommodate players involved in preparations and selection activities for international cue sports competition.
The national championship subsequently entered its knockout stage, where the country's leading players battled for a place in the final four.
In the quarter-finals, M. I. Thaha defeated M. Rikaz 4–1, while Susantha Boteju defeated H. A. M. Rimzan 4–0. Bilal Sattar recorded a 4–0 victory over M. Prathap, while M. F. M. Fahim defeated A. M. M. Silmy 4–0.
The semi-finals produced two further decisive encounters. Susantha Boteju defeated M. F. M. Fahim 5–1, while M. I. Thaha overcame Bilal Sattar by the same 5–1 scoreline, setting up a much-anticipated final between Thaha and Boteju.
The grand final lived up to expectations, developing into a tight contest between two determined players. With the score reaching 5–4, Thaha secured the decisive frame to claim the National 6 Reds title and the Late Ajwad Hashim Memorial Trophy.
Boteju's performance throughout the championship earned him the runner-up position, while his performance in the final provided a strong challenge to the eventual champion.
The tournament also provided an important platform for Sri Lanka's leading cueists to demonstrate their skills ahead of international competition. Sri Lankan players are scheduled to compete in several cue sports disciplines, including Snooker, Billiards, Pool and Heyball Pool, at the Commonwealth Cue Sports Championship in India.
The concluding awards ceremony provided an opportunity to recognise the achievements of the players and acknowledge those who contributed to the successful conduct of the championship.
The Billiards & Snooker Association of Sri Lanka extended its sincere appreciation to the MALSHIP Group of Companies for its sponsorship and continued support towards the development of cue sports in Sri Lanka.
The Association also expressed its gratitude to Mr. Zuresh Hasim, President of Moors Sports Club, for his valuable support and hospitality in facilitating the successful conduct of the championship and its concluding activities at Moors Sports Club.
The B&SASL further acknowledged the contribution of the players, referees, tournament officials, affiliated clubs, organisers, supporters and spectators whose cooperation helped make the championship a success.
With Thaha adding the 2026 National 6 Reds title to his record, the championship concluded with a memorable final and further highlighted the growing standard and competitiveness of snooker in Sri Lanka.
Final Result
Champion: M. I. Thaha – Moors Sports Club (MSC)
Runner-up: Susantha Boteju – YMBA Colombo
Final Score: Thaha defeated Boteju 5–4
Tournament: 6 Reds Snooker National Championship 2026
Trophy: Late Ajwad Hashim Memorial Trophy
Organised by: Billiards & Snooker Association of Sri Lanka
Sponsored by: MALSHIP Group of Companies
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