Carrom: 8 slicers to represent Sri Lanka at 5th World Cup in South Korea

An experienced and strong contingent of 8 Slicers (4 Men, 4 Women) will represent Sri Lanka at the 5th Carrom World Cup to be held in Chuncheon, South Korea, from August 24 to 29, under the aegis of the International Carrom Federation and hosted by Korea Carrom Federation. 

Lankan slicers have won the World Carrom Championship twice in 2008 and 2016, and and are yet to win the World Cup. 

The 6 senior Slicers include Nishantha Fernando who was World Carrom Champion in 2012 and Chamil Dharshana Cooray who was 'Swiss League Champion' in 2014 (Maldives) and 2016 (UK), who will have to play a major role at this year's edition if Sri Lanka is to win its maiden Carrom World Cup. 

Sri Lanka's main obstacle in international Carrom has always been India. Sri Lanka has always come out second best, whenever they met India in the finals. 

In the 1st World Cup held in the UK, India emerged champions defeating Sri Lanka. 

In the 2nd World Cup too, in India, Sri Lanka again lost to India in the finals, and in the last event held in Male in 2014, here too, India overcame Lanka in the finals. 

Sri Lanka skipped the 4th World Cup held in USA. 

In the 7 World Championships, Sri Lanka clinched the Championship in 2008 and 2016 and were Runners-up behind India in 1991, 1995, 2000, 2004 and 2012. 

The Men's team will be led by Chamil Darshana Cooray (Captain) and will include Nishantha Fernando, Shaheed Hilmy and Udesh Chandima Perera.
 
Yasika Rahubaddha will lead the Women's team while Joseph Roshita, Chalani Lakmali Liyanage and Madhuka Dilshan are the other members.

Mohamed Sherifdeen and Maduwanthi Gunadasa are the respective stand-bys. 

CFSL President Parakrama Basnayake and CFSL Vice President Brindly Wickramasinghe will be the officials on this tour.