Sri Lanka Netball team aims third straight Asia Cup title

Sri Lanka’s netball team is ready to defend their Asia Cup title at the 13th Asia Cup Netball Championship, taking place from October 18 to 27 in Bangalore, India. This is the second time India is hosting the tournament, the first being in 1989, when Sri Lanka also claimed the title.

The 12-member national team has been selected, with Dulangi Wannithilleka named as captain. Senior players Gayanjali

Amarawansa, Gayani Dissanayake, Thisala Algama, Hasitha Mendis, and Malmi Hettiarachchi are also part of the team. Dulangi was the vice-captain when Sri Lanka won the Asia Cup in 2022.

P.D.N. Prasadi, the national coach, said the team is a mix of experienced and younger players. They are training at Sugathadasa Stadium and Horana Indoor Stadium. Prasadi, who led the team to win the 1997 Asia Cup, said teams like Singapore (three time champions 2005, 2012, 2014), Malaysia (two times champions 1985, 2016), and Hong Kong (1993 champions) will be strong opponents, but Sri Lanka is focused on retaining the title.

Though they won’t have international matches before the tournament, Prasadi said they are focused on winning. Five players are making their Asia Cup debut this year. Vishakian Thisala Algama will play as Goal Shooter, replacing Tharjini Sivalingam, who is unavailable.

If Sri Lanka wins, they will make history with their third consecutive Asia Cup victory, having won in 2018 and 2022. Sri Lanka holds the record for the most Asia Cup titles, with six wins: in 1989, 1997, 2001, 2009, 2018, and 2022.

Source: Daily News