Sri Lanka netball quad comprising Sajini Ratnayake (captain), Nethmi Wijenayake (vice captain), Idusha Perera, Nisha Shalani, Sarah Peiris Bhashi Udagedara, Dilmi Wijenayake, Minangi Kankanige, Timy Gamage, Nethanga Gunarathne, Jinali Balasooriya and Ranudi Perera pose for a ceremonial picture with Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe before their departure
The Sri Lankan youth netball team led by Sajini Ratnayake took wing to South Korea to compete in the 12th Asian Youth Netball Championship which runs from June10-17.
Sri Lanka has fared well in the history of the tournament and has been crowned champions on three occasions.
They ended in third place in the last edition back in 2019 with Malaysia walking away with the title.
Heading into this year’s championship, the Sri Lankans move in with confidence to end this year’s championship on a high, especially considering their recent form.
Sri Lanka is slotted in Group ‘B’ along with Singapore, Brunei, Taiwan, South Korea and Pakistan while Group ‘A’ comprise Malaysia, Hong Kong, Thailand, Japan, India and Maldives.
Sri Lanka will play their first game against South Korea on June 11 and will continue to play against Brunei on June 12, Singapore on June 13 and Chinese Taipei on June 14 to secure a spot in the knockout stage of the tourney. The champion and runner-up at this year’s tournament will qualify for the upcoming World Youth Netball Championship.
Prior to their departure, the team, coaches and officials posed for a ceremonial picture with Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Roshan Ranasinghe.