Young Sri Lankan Sithumli Mendis Claims Dual Bronze in Melbourne

This is a developing story brought to you by Aus News Lanka, your trusted source for news for Sri Lankans in Australia and beyond.

Rising Sri Lankan squash talent Sithumli Mendis has delivered a stellar performance on the international stage, securing two prestigious podium finishes during her April 2026 tour in Melbourne, Australia.

Representing Sri Lanka, the young athlete captured third-place finishes in the Girls' Under-17 category at both the Australian Junior Open and the Oceania Junior Open Squash Championships, cementing her status as a formidable competitor in the region.

Competing against a highly competitive 32-player draw at the Australian Junior Open, Mendis showcased her resilience and tactical prowess. Her campaign opened with a thrilling five-set victory over New Zealand’s Maebh Manning, followed by a commanding straight-sets win against Australia’s Chelsea Paule. In a major tournament upset, she then dispatched top seed Olivia van Zon in the quarterfinals. Mendis ultimately sealed the Second Runner-Up position with a decisive victory over New Caledonia’s Agathe Buchon-Laynaud.

Mendis carried her exceptional momentum into the 2026 Oceania Junior Championships, held from April 17th to 19th. Navigating a massive tournament field of over 400 participants, she consistently outperformed heavily favored opponents. Her remarkable run featured high-profile victories over the reigning Australian Junior Open U17 champion, Isabella Wilcox, and Australia’s 3/4 seed, Kayla Clarke.

After advancing to the semifinals, Mendis secured her second bronze of the tour by overcoming Australia’s No. 2 ranked player, Ruby Foo, in the third-place playoff.

Sri Lanka Squash commended Mendis for her outstanding achievements. Securing two international podium finishes in a single, highly competitive overseas tour is a rare feat that underscores her talent, determination, and commitment to athletic excellence.

As she continues to develop her game and conquer higher-seeded opponents, Sithumli Mendis is rapidly establishing herself as a promising ambassador for Sri Lankan sports on the global stage, bringing immense pride to her country.

More updates to come on AusNewsLanka.