The Inaugural U21 Asian Volleyball Championship organised by the Asian Volleyball Federation would be take place from the 2nd of March to the 4th of March in the city of Rosit, Thailand.
Sri Lanka would be participating in both the women’s and men’s tournament captained by Hasini Priyamali and Ranga Prabath respectively.
With 14 countries participating in this inaugural competition the selection process of the Sri Lankan contingent that left on the 26th of February was a strenuous one, in that the Sri Lankan Volleyball Federation considered the exploits of the U23 teams and the National (Open) Beach Volleyball teams.
The 34 players that were in the pool were tried and selected to the National teams after spending a considerable amount of days at the Heiyanthuduwa Youth Services Volleyball Training Centre.
In the Men’s team, it is only the captain, Ranga Prabath that has valuable experience gained from the International Schools Beach Volleyball Championships while his teammates lack such experience. However, they are competent enough to make up for the lack of experience with the immense skill they possess.
It is Mr M. A. Mahesh Perera that would coach the men’s team mentioned below;
Men’s team
1. D. K. Ranga Prabath
2. J. L. Ashen Rashmika
3. Thanrindu Madushanka
4. P. G. Mihiranga Udayakumara
Mr. Mahesh Perera has stated that the men’s team is in shape to even challenge for the 2018 Asian Championships and that he is looking forward to it.
“I have only got this team for a few months now and I have thought them everything there is to know to better their game. I have also brought them to the best fitness level possible. All these players are new so I expect them to shine in the 2018 Asian Championships by challenging for the trophy” He said to ThePapare.com.
“This is a great opportunity for our players. We have a good team as well, however, they lack the experience making it the only weakness. With this opportunity I think our players would receive valuable experience and would better their game in every single way. If we had a little bit more time for preparation it would have been perfect.” Said the women’s team coach , Sajith Nadasiri to ThePapare.com.
The participating women’s team is as follows;
Women’s team
1. M. H. Hasini Malsha Priyamali
2. A. Tharaka Nelum Priyadashani
3. W. Shehani Asanga
4. W. Ramesha Madushani Pieris
From this year onwards the National Schools Beach Volleyball Sports Festival would be given further prominence in order to boost popularity within the country, according to the Secretary of the Sri Lanka Volleyball Federation, Mr. A. S. Nalaka.
Mr. Dhanapala Jayapathma has been selected to manage the two teams, along with Mr. Janaka Batugahage selected as a judge.
“This can be one of the tournaments that would be considered when selecting the 5 teams from Asia to take part at the Under 21 World Championships, and we would like to be one of the 5 Asian teams that would be selected.” Said the team manager, Mr. Dhanapala Jayapathma to ThePapare.com.
