Volleyball is a globally recognised sport as well as being rated one of the most popular team sports in the world. Its fame is mainly due to the fact that both sexes share the same interest in the sport as much as the success.
As the National Sport of the Island Nation it is no different locally, despite the lack of international success.
The 11th Munchee National Volleyball Championship has reached its climax and the women’s finals between Casual Line and Sri Lanka Air Force women promises to be a real chartbuster as the best teams in the draw have made it to the summit.
Tournament overview
Despite the Sri Lanka Police women’s and the MAS Active women’s team opting out of the tournament the group phase was nothing short of exhilarating and have made historic remarks. Notable, The Sri Lanka Navy women’s team beat the Sri Lanka Air Force team for the first time in their illustrious history.
However, Sri Lanka Air Force prevailed over the Sri Lanka Army ladies in three straight sets (3:0) while Casual Line eased passed Sri Lanka Navy in four sets (3:1) in absorbing semifinals matches.
Consequently, Casual Line set up a date with a resilient Air Force team for the finale.
Brief History
The Casual line team has been a dominant force in the Volleyball arena since its inception in the year 2000. They’ve had success recently in the mercantile volleyball arena bagging titles in 2012, 2013 and 2014. Under the watchful eyes of Ananda Wannithilaka who’s known for nurturing young emerging talent, Casual Line has blended the recipe for success with comfort.
Air Force on the flip side has conquered the National Volleyball Championships for decades producing many outstanding players to the National setup. The defending champions of the defence services Volleyball championships under the guidance of former national cap Saman Chandranath have the odds stacked in their favor. The Air Force women will want to rewrite the history books with yet another title under their belt.
Key Players
In the star studded Casual Line outfit, Thakshila Madurangi is most outstanding as the 20 year old has already made her debut in the national set up.
Lakshi Probhodini and Anurisha Chathuni are two emerging talents from the Junior National set up who have made their mark. Chaya Sanjeewani has an electrifying offensive style of play while the experience of Sachini Nimanthika rounds up an impressive structure for Casual Line.
For Sri Lanka Air Force their skipper Dinesha Prasadini is renowned for her swift attacking prowess along with Chauthurani Ranasinghe and Iresha Umayangani who complete an impressive offensive trio.
Anusha Sandamali and Ashani Chamodika have made a significant impact in this year’s competition, as they’ve gotten into form in the nick of time for the Air Force ladies. Ridhmi Sacunthala is the essence of youth amid the experienced campaigners as she is the last piece of the puzzle igniting the highflying Airwomen.
Speaking to ThePapare.com prior to the finale
The Coach of Casual Line Mr. Ananda Vannithilaka;
“This is the first time a mercantile team is representing a Nation Volleyball Championship Final. I have trained these girls since they were kids, however some of them have left us to join various other teams as we’re a mercantile team. We still managed to rise to the top thanks to the ample support provided by our organization. We’re representing the finals in both the men’s and women’s categories in the Dialog Novices competition as well. Except for one of our players the remaining are below the age of 23. These players were scouted and developed by us.
Nisanika Sandamali expressing her views;
“We are happy to be playing in the final. The dedication of Mr. Ananda Vannithilaka and the rest of my team mates is the reason that we’re here today. After losing at the hands of Army in our group stage matches, we had to win against to Navy to qualify for the finals. We achieved it although we as a team feel for D.Perera who injured herself during the game. We’re prepared to give a good fight in the final.”
The Coach of Sri Lanka Air Force Mr. Saman Chandranath;
“We’re hopeful in respect to winning the finals. Rather than an easy tie we’re expecting a tough match and our players are ready to go the distance with five sets. Comparing both teams my team is strong and rich with experience which is another advantage for us” he mentioned.
Dinesha Prasadini the captain of Air Force;
“We were expecting Casual Line to be our opponents in the finals. However they’re a strong team and we don’t have any match experience against them. After losing out to the Navy team we had to dig deep against Army to make it to the finals. We’re not going to let this opportunity slip away. We’re ready for this finals and we’re preparing ahead of the finals to win”
Squads
Sri Lanka Air Force
Dinesha Prasadini (C), Ashani Chamodhika, Champa Kalyani, Ruwani Thakshila, Chathurika Ranasinghe, Nadeeka Athukorala, Chandima Damayanthi, Eresha Umayangani, Anusha Sandamali, Ridmee Sacunthala, Anuththara Sandamali, Shama Maduranga.
Head Coach: Saman Chandranath
Asst Coach: Janaka Fernando
Physiotherapist: Susiri Magala
Casual Line
Thakshila Madurangee (C), Nisanika Sandamali, Hiruni Chapa, Chaya Sanjeewani, Sachini Nimanthika, Anurisha Chathuni, Lakshi Prabodhini, Naduni Nimansala, Sewwandi Piumi, Piumi Hansika, Sudeepa
Head Coach: Ananda Vannithilaka
Team Manager: Chandana Wijesinghe
Physiotherapist: Renuka Nilmini
Company COO: Chandana Galappaththi
Human Resource Manager: Hiruni Manchanayake
