Hockey: Sri Lanka to face Uzbekistan in AHFC Cup opener

Sri Lanka will play their first match in the Fifth Men’s Asian Hockey Federation Cup (AHFC) Tournament when they face Uzbekistan in Hong Kong today (19).

The tournament commences today (19) and will conclude on November 27. 

The tournament is being conducted by the Asian Hockey Federation.

Anuruddha Herath Bandara, the Sri Lanka coach stated that Sri Lanka has beaten Uzbekistan 2-1 about ten years in an Asian level tournament and that they hope to topple them once again to make further progress in the competition.

"Sri Lanka possess five experienced youngsters and is a well balanced team. Only setback is that we do not have international match experience. We have to take part in international competitions to gain this experience."

"The last time we took part in an international tournament in April this year at the World League Tournament. We lost only to Bangladesh and we were the runner-up. The strongest team in our group is Singapore. If we can topple them then we have a chance of being in the final. We think Singapore is strong and Singapore thinks we are strong."

Sri Lanka’s second match will be against Singapore on November 22 and then Sri Lanka will be up against Thailand on November 24.

The Sri Lanka team left for Hong Kong early on November 17. 

The team is captained by Lalantha De Silva with N.D.B. Dissanayake as the deputy skipper.
Nine teams are taking part in  the contest.

Sri Lanka is in Group B: Sri Lanka, Singapore,Thailand and Uzbekistan. Group A: Defending champions Bangladesh,Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Macau and Indonesia.
 
The Sri Lanka team: Thusith Darshana Rathnasiri, K. Tharindu Hendeniya, Nalantha De Silva (Capt), Isanha Jayasundara, N.D.B. Dissanayake (VC), H.P.K. Dharmarathne, Amila Dayan Rathansiri, Tharanga Gunawardhana, Pushpakumara Hendeniya, Damith Madhushanka Bandara, Sandaruwan Priyankara, Madhuranga Wijesinghe, Anuradha Suresh, Lakshan Nanayakkara, Lahiru Weerasooriya, Shamika Gunawardhana, C. A. Welagedra, M. M. Mulafer.

Officials: Thamara Paragoda Liyanage (Team Manager), Anuruddha Herath Bandara (Coach), A. M. P. Lanerolle (Asst. Coach), Daminda Aththanayake (Team Doctor), T. A. D. Gamage (Masseur).