SL targets Women’s Masters hockeyWorld Cup Quarters in Barcelona
Sri Lanka Masters Women’s National Hockey team expects to enter the quarterfinals of the EXIN Masters World Cup 2018 said skipper Sobitha Mendis.
The Sri Lanka Masters Women’s National Hockey Association has decided to take part in the Masters Women’s World Cup Tournament from July 27 to August 5, in Barcelona, Spain.
They will participate in the Over-35 category, with a contingent of 18 players and 6 officials, along with 6 other teams, namely Australia, England, New Zealand, Ghana, USA and Spain.
“A large sum of money is needed to take part in the tournament,” said skipper Sobitha Mendis, adding that, even to register the team for the contest, private funds were utilised, and she expects sponsors to come forward to help the team participate in this competition.
Sobitha Mendis is a former 5 times National Hockey captain. The team is coached by former National Captain M.G.M. Naleem.
The entire team is made up of former National players with international experience. The team will take part in 4 1st Round matches and expect to win all 4 games to qualify for the quarterfinals.
The team has commenced daily training practice sessions in Colombo.
IMHA World Cup Tour Sri Lanka Contingent:
Goalkeepers: Rupika de Silva, Priyantha Rajapakse
Full Backs: Sobitha Mendis (Capt), Iromi Gunawardena, Vadana Ekanayake, Eisha Amarasekara
Halves: Chandima Rajawardane, Shereen Perera, Sunethra Perera, Manoji Pradeepika, Sanjee Vasudewa
Forwards: Nishanthi Kumburegama, Durgha Hopman, Chamila Gunawardena, Apsara Gunarathne, Nissansala Rozairo, Renuka Yapa, Ayesha Serasinghe
Officials: M.G.M. Naleem (Coach), N. Navaratnam (Asst. Coach), Mala Pandithanayake (First Aid and Physical Trainer), G. Ruwaiza Sela (Manager), Achala Perera (Asst. Manager), Thushari Perera (Manager Finance)