The Sri Lanka Volleyball Federation has chosen a pool of 30 players for the final training camp in preparation for the Under 23 Asian Women’s Volleyball Championship. The tournament is set to take place between the 13th and 21st of May in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
As per Federation Secretary A.S. Nalaka, a pool of 85 was whittled down to 30 following trials held earlier this month and the final squad for the tour is set to be announced next March.
The tournament is set to feature some strong sides in the shape of Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, India and Pakistan among others. However, there are suggestions that a few nations including last year’s winners, China, have not yet confirmed participation.
Regarding Sri Lanka’s aims for this tournament, Secretary Nalaka said, “Last year we only achieved 11th place but this year our target is to get into the Super 8 stage. All these girls are given about five month of intense training to ensure that we give ourselves that chance.”
The pool has a blend of youth and experience but is heavily dominated by Navy SC and Army SC. The pool also features some star names including Army SC’s Thilini Wasana and Imesha Sewwandi who was the MVP at the Munchee National Basketball Championships. The pool also features four players from the President’s Gold Cup winning Casual Line SC, who were top performers this season.
The Pool comprises
Sri Lanka Army: Thilini Wasana, Apsara Sewmali, Harshani Nimeshika, R.P.R. Sewwandi
Sri Lanka Navy: Kavisha Lakshani Prrera, Tharaka Priyadarshanu, N.S. Jayawardena, Kasuni Tharaka Lakshani, E.W.S.D Ranatunge
Boyagama Siri Parakum Sports Club: Nimeshika Sewwandi, S.G.D. Senaratne, H.B. Kariyawasam, M.P.S.P Wijesinghe
MAS Casual Line Sports Club: Chaya Sanjewwani Jayaratne, R.A.A Chathuni, Vinodi Kaushalya, Hansi Piumika
Omega Line SC: Sithumini Tennakoon, Chathurika Hansini
Brandix SC, Seeduwa: Hithanji MAdushani, Deepika Bandara
National Youth Services SC: Sansala Nethmini, Sachini Silva
Eheliyagoda Dharmapala SC: Sanjula Karunarathna
Dhammissara SC: Sakunthala Fernando
Anamaduva MV Sports Club: G.W.A Amani Kaushalya
Deniyaya St. Mathew’s SC: Anuththara Sandamali
Newstead SC, Negombo: Saumya Kurukulasuriya
Hungama Vijayaba SC: Niranjala Sarojini
Sri Lanka Air Force SC: Sachini Charuka
