Golden Birds and MAS SC claim President’s Gold Cup
The Dialog President’s Gold Cup Volleyball Tournament, one of the highlights of the Sri Lanka Sports Fiesta 2024, saw Golden Birds Sports Club and MAS Sports Club emerge victorious in the Men’s and Women’s categories, respectively. The tournament was held at the Air Force Indoor Stadium in Colombo.
Golden Birds SC clinched the Men’s title with a decisive victory over Rajasinghe Sports Club, Ruwanwella, where the winners dominated the match in straight sets with scores of 25-20, 25-18, and 25-11. Their triumph was marked by a notable performance from Dulanjan Sandeepa, who was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the Men’s category. United Sports Club, Nattandiya, secured the second runners-up position, while Aruna Sports Club, Walasmulla, finished at fourth.
Winners Golden Birds and MAS SC with their respective titles
The Women’s final featured a thrilling contest between MAS SC and Hidramani Sports Club, Galigamuwa as the eventual winners recorded a 3-1 win, with set scores of 19-25, 25-22, 25-11, and 25-23. Sulakshana Pasinduni of MAS SC was awarded the Most Valuable Player in the Women’s category for her exceptional performance throughout the tournament.
Besides being named the Most Valuable Player, Dulanjan Sandeepa of Golden Birds SC also earned the title of Best Outside Hitter I. Induwara Ratnayake from Rajasinghe SC was recognised as Best Outside Hitter II. RD Shehan and A.C. Dias, both from Golden Birds, were awarded Best Middle Player I and II, respectively. Praneeth Thinendra of Golden Birds was named Best Opposite Player, while G.M. Karunaratne, also from Golden Birds, claimed the Best Setter award. The Best Libero honour went to A.K. Kumarasinghe of Golden Birds.
In the Women’s Division, Harshani Senaratne of Hidaramani SC was awarded the Best Outside Hitter I, and Chathuri Poornima from MAS SC earned Best Outside Hitter II. Ruwanya Handapangoda of Hidaramani SC was named Best Middle Player I, with Samara Nishadi of MAS SC receiving Best Middle Player II. Nishadi Kawya of MAS SC was recognised as Best Opposite Player, and her team mate Thiwanki Madhumali was awarded Best Setter. The Best Libero title went to Nethmi Dhananjani of MAS SC, who produced the Most Valuable Player in the Women’s Division in Sulakshana Pasinduni.