The 14th edition of the Dialog Axiata President’s Gold Cup Volleyball Championship conducted by the Sri Lanka Volleyball Federation is due to commence on September 28 in two segments, the men’s and women’s categories Open and Under-23 age group.
The championship is due to take off with the district level competition which is expected to end by late October. The winners of district level championships will qualify to play in the National championship while the runners-up in from the district level competition will be eligible to play for the Challenge trophy on offer.
This change has been made as the previous segment which was played as the under-22 that has been done away with as there is a separate championship for the under-22 in progress. This applies to both men and women according to the Tournament Committee Chairman Dhanapala Jayampath when he addressed a media conference in Colombo last Tuesday. Volleyball clubs in Divisional Secretariats can present their entries to participate in the district level competition.
All players representing these clubs who are not residents in the particular district for less than three years are not permitted for their district matches.
All players should produce a Grama Niladhari certificate to prove their residency in the district of residency along with their National Identity Card when entries are forwarded to the Federation. A player is eligible only to present himself only for one club during the Championship.
A special feature this year is the permission granted to the district winner and runners-up to absorb players from losing clubs when playing in the National Championship for both men’s and women’s teams.
The Federation expects the Championship to be completed by mid December with the final to be played at the National Youth Council Indoor Stadium.
Entries for the Championship can be forwarded to the General Secretary, Sri Lanka Volleyball Federation at 33 Torrington Place, Colombo 7 or through District Coordinating Officer to the same address above on or before September 5.