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Sports

Lankan lasses to prove their might once again
By Bernie Wijesekera
The month of July will be a hive of activity for sports in Sri Lanka -The Asia Cup is being revived after a long lay off, with Pakistan agreeing to keep off politics on the field with India. The prestigious Asia Cup will commence on July 16. While cricket will take the centre stage the July 21, the under-21 Junior Asian Netball tournament will be staged at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium. Six nations are billed take part. India, Maldives, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Sri Lanka will be the participants. Pakistan and Hong Kong have opted to keep out of this year’s tournament.

The Lankan girls have made a name for themselves in Netball in the Asian region. In the Asian National Championship staged here in 2000 Sri Lanka emerged champions. The sport is developing fast in the rural districts at grassroots level. The rural girls with sheer commitment have found their way to play at the national level. In the coming Junior Championship there are number of girls drawn from the provinces. Nithya Rajaratnam from Hindu Ladies' College, Jaffna. The lass said she was happy to be in the squad with her fellow sisters.

After several trials the final squad was picked. They are undergoing training at a residential camp. The entire squad training under head coach, Padma Gunawardena, assisted by Deepthi de Alwis.

The team will be led by Gishani Jayakody, who played in the winning national team in 2001 (Asiad) as a school girl. A product from St. Joseph's Convent, Nugegoda where she started her netball career. She got a scholarship to Visakha Vidyalaya and has already sat for her A/L. She was coached by Decima Fernando. She is the most experienced player in the side. The girls are working to a plan and are confident of giving their best. The Lankan girls will receive stiff opposition from Singapore and Malaysia with some expatriates in the shoot out. Thailand, too are fast improving. The Thai girls need watching.

Mrs. Tamara Dharmakeerthi Herat, Chairperson of the Netball Interim Committee was interviewed by The Sunday Times.Commenting on the forthcoming championship she said "It's a daunting task to go ahead, with time running out to find funds. But I am determined to go ahead. Sri Lanka are defending champions winning the title in year 2002. Two teams have backed out - Pakistan and Hong Kong due to financial problems.

But the other five nations are coming on their own even prepared to find their own accommodation. They like Sri Lanka and want to participate in this fellowship contest to cement a permanent bridge for peace and harmony". Mrs. Heart added "we are preparing a float around the country promoting the sport at grassroots level whilst the tournament is on. Probably we will be televising the events. The sponsors have much to gain as a result. The organising committee is not going to put the shutters down despite setbacks, but forging ahead. A fine gesture by the participants to come here on their own. Also a part of the tourist promoting drive".

Ranked sixth
"Gishani Jayakody is world ranked sixth as a shooter. Many more like her could be found in country. This year the Lankans will find the going tough, with Malaysia and Thailand fielding the same team that took part in 2002. The local girls are fit and determined. To do proud for the country," Mrs. Heart added.

The Sri Lanka squad - Gishani Jayakody (Capt.- Visakha Vidyalaya), Anjlee Lokuliyanage (Visakha ), Pabasara Gunasekera, Shereen Nugera and Priscila Koch (all St. Joseph's Girls' School, Nugegoda), Shani Nisansala (Bomiriya MV), Iresha (Rippon Balika), Rasuni Karunarathna (Sirimavo BMV), Nadeesha de Silva (Kalutara BMV), Nithya Rajaratnam (Hindu Ladies' College, Jaffna), Saduni Balagala (Maliyadeva MV), Chamila Priyani (Vijitha MV), Dinusha Perera (H.F.C. Bambalapitiya), Shamila Vasundara (Sujatha MV).

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