Hockey: Sri Lanka performs creditably at Asian Games qualifying round

The Sri Lanka men’s hockey team staged a creditable performance at the Asian Games qualifying round in Muscat Oman. 

They however suffered a 2-3 defeat to defending champions Bangladesh in the semi-finals.

In the first two quarters no goals were scored. 

In the third quarter Sri Lanka scored the first goal. In the fourth quarter the goals were tied at two all. 

In the last minute Bangladesh scored a goal and qualified to be in the final. 

The two goals against Bangladesh were scored by Dhammika Ranasinghe and Sandaruwan Sudusinghe. 

Eight countries took part in the tournament. Sri Lanka was in Group B. Kazakhstan, Oman and Chinese Taipei were in this group. In the first round Sri Lanka triumphed in two encounters. 

From Group A Bangladesh, Hong Kong, Thailand and Afghanistan participated. 

According to the prevailing rules in Oman all semi-finalists – Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Oman and Thailand have qualified for the Jakarta Asian Games to be held 

Sri Lanka won the first match against Kazakhstan 6-0. 

Dhammika Ranasinghe (2), Damith Bandara, Sandaruwan Sudusinghe, Rajitha Kulatunga and Anuruddha Ratnayake scored a goal each for Sri Lanka. 

In the second match against Oman which Sri Lanka lost 1-5. 

The only goal for Sri Lanka was scored by Anuruddha Ratnayake. 

In the first round last match against Chinese Taipei Sri Lanka won 4-1 and qualified for semi-finals. 

Anuruddha Ratnayake scored two goals, Sandaruwan Sudusinghe and Ishantha Doranegala scored a goal each. 

This is the first time that Sri Lanka has qualified for an Asian Games qualifying round. Previously to this there was no qualifying round. 

In the game against Bangladesh if not for some minor errors, Sri Lanka could have qualified for the final. 

Bangladesh and Oman have now qualified for the final which took place on Saturday (17).
   
The coach of the Sri Lanka team is Anuruddha Herath Bandara, who said that during a short space of time he is happy to have produced such a good team and a good future awaits the team.