Lankans looking for just one victory
Sri Lanka spikers prior to its departure
The Sri Lanka volleyball team will play their first match against Japan at the Second Asian Under-23 Men’s Volleyball Championships in Iran. The tournament will go on until May 9. Eleven Asian countries are taking part in the competition. Sri Lanka has been classified into Group B together with Japan and Thailand.
After the match against Japan, Sri Lanka will meet Thailand on May 3. If Sri Lanka can win one match they will proceed to the Super Eight Round. Japan is considered a strong team; Sri Lanka is favoured to defeat Thailand. This is the second time the contest is being held. Since Sri Lanka did not take part in the earlier competition they have no prior knowledge of the strengths of the other teams. From Group A, Iran and Pakistan. From Group B Chinese Taipei, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, From Group C, China, Australia and Malaysia, will be taking part.
Sri Lanka is skippered by Ayesh Dilhan Perera of the Ceylon Electricity Board. The vice captain is Anshka Dilshan Fernando of the
Sri Lanka Air Force.
 The Sri Lanka team:Â
Sashika Lakshan Kelaniyage, Isuru Madushanka, Sachin Laksitha Bandara, Nadeeka Lakshan, Madushanka Fernando, Haritha Heshan Fernando, Ayesh Dilhan Perera (Capt), Dhanushka Sanjeeva, K.A.N.M. Kodisinghe, Dhanushka Dilshan Fernando (Vice Captain), W. Mahesh, R. Harshaka De Silva. Coach: Channa Jayasekera, Assistant Coach: Chaminda Kumara Jayaratne, Trainer: Jagath Sanjaya Senadheera. Referee: Sudesh Kumar and Manager: Maj. S.M.S. Suriyabandara.