Central Asian Beach Volleyball begins in Negombo today

By Susil Premalal

The first Central Asian Beach Volleyball Championship for men and women will begin today at Beach Park, Negombo.  

The final of the three-day event will be held on February 20 under the patronage of Sports Minister Namal Rajapakse.  

This tournament is being conducted under the supervision of the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) and Central Asian Volleyball Confederation (CAVB) by the host country Sri Lanka Volleyball Federation (SLVB).  

Iran, Uzbekistan, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are participating in this tournament which will serve as a qualification event for the Commonwealth Games.  
All foreign teams will have two men’s and women’s team while Sri Lanka as hosts will field three teams each.  

The champions will receive the Independence Trophy and a cash award of US$ 1,500 each, the runners-up will get US$ 1,000 each and the third-placed team US$ 500 each.  
Moratuwa University Director of Sports C. Ratnamudali has been appointed as Technical delegate for the tournament.  

Sri Lanka men’s team 1:- Tiron Jayathilaka and Ashen Rashmika  
 Men’s team 2:- Nalin Perera and Malinda Yapa  
 Men’s team 3:- Anjana Sandeepana and Sandun Madushanka  
Sri Lanka women’s team 1:- Deepika Bandara and Dinesha Prasadani  
Women’s team 2:- Chathurika Weerasinghe and Hasini Malsha  
Women’s team 3:- Shehani Asanga and Sulochana Jayawardene   

Officials:- Shailen Randoo (Head Coach Men and Women), Asanka Pradeep (Assistant Coach Men), Pubudu Ekanayaka (Assistant Coach Women), Thakshila Niranjali (Assistant Coach Women)