Masters’ Strikers to take part in International tournament
View(s):For the first time in its history, the Sri Lanka Masters’ Hockey Association (SLMHA) will take part at an international tournament when they take off to Bali, Indonesia today. The SLMHA, which was inaugurated in 2015 with motives of supporting hockey and its components, has taken the initiative to feature themselves at competitions held globally. The tournament where SLMHA is featured will be the 3rd Bali Hockey 6s — a shorter version of the game played among 20 men’s teams and 16 women’s teams representing hosts Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Australia, India, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong and Japan.
The draw will be made on Tuesday after all teams reach the venue, according to Duncan Devendra, a member of the team. “The team will have a manager, who is Ratnasiri Mahagalaella. All players in the side are well experienced representing Sri Lanka and with that the need of a coach will not arise. We hope to perform well up to expectations, especially with top countries like India and Australia in the draw,” Devendra stated. The SLMHA team is led by Mohamed Naleem and comprises former top stickers who represented top schools, clubs and eventually the country. Among them are Azmi Mohamed, Nadith Kudagama, Duncan Devendra, Ananda de Silva, Godwin Solomons, Ashok Peiris and D.C. Perera.
Seated (from left): Mohamed Naleem (Captain) Ratnasiri Mahagalaella (Secretary SLMHA) Fouzul Hameed (President SLMHA), Dayasiri Jayasekara (Minster of Sports), Otto Preena (Vice President SLMHA), Dhammika Wijesundara (Vice President SLMHA), Azmi Mohomed Standing (from left): Nadith Kudagama, Duncan Devendra, Ananda de Silva, Godwin Solomons, Ashok Peiris, D.C. Perera