Army men and Air Force women triumph

The victorious Army Men’s Volleyball Team with officials

The Sri Lanka Army Men’s Volleyball Team and the Sri Lanka Air Force Women’s Volleyball Team emerged victorious, clinching the titles at the 18th Munchee National Super League Volleyball Championships organized by the Sri Lanka Volleyball Federation at the Youth Services Centre in Maharagama on Sunday.

The Army Men’s Team secured their title by defeating the Sri Lanka Electricity Board (CEB) Team with a 3-1 scoreline (25-22, 25-13, 18-25, 25-19). The Army had faced a setback in the group stages against the formidable ECB team, which included national players and Sri Lanka captain Deepthi Romesh. However, they rallied back in the finals with key national players like Nalin Sajeewa Karunaratne, Wasantha Lakmal, Isuru Madushana, and Manoj Seneviratne.

The Best Player accolade went to Sajith Kelumratne, a talent from Monaragala who joined the Sri Lanka Army. The team Manager Captain Thenuka Malinda and coach Sumith Jayalal, the former National Youth Service Council Coach, received support from Sri Lanka Army Commander Lt Gen. Vikum Liyanage, Army Volleyball Chairman Maj Gen Manjula Kariyawasam, Sports Director Brigadier Godewatte, and Vice Chairman Brig Rohan.

Meanwhile, in a historic achievement for the Sri Lanka Air Force Women’s Team, they secured a 3-0 victory (25-21, 25-18, 25-17) against the Sri Lanka Army Women’s Team in the final. The Air women had faced defeat four months ago in the Defence Service Volleyball Championship against the Army. Notably, the Army women’s team comprised six players who also play for the Sri Lanka national team.

The Air Force women’s team, led by the lone national player Iresha Umayangani, witnessed a special moment as JWP Thushari was named the Best Setter and Most Valuable Player. Thushari’s outstanding performance, encompassing passing, setting, and attacking, played a pivotal role in the team’s success.

Sri Lanka Air Force Volleyball Coach Samansiri Seneviratne, credited with changing training methods, including extensive beach training, expressed satisfaction at the team’s success. The victory marked a turnaround for the Air Force women, who had previously lost to the Army few months ago. “It was the turning point of the match,” said Coach Samansiri, reflecting on the team’s remarkable journey to clinch the title.

Results:

Super League Men’s Final: Champion: Sri Lanka Army, 1st Runner-up: Ceylon Electricity Board, Best Outside Hitter 1: Sajith Kelumratne (Army), Best Outside Hitter 2: Isuru Madushan (Army), Best Middle Player 1: Ayesh Dilhan (CEB), Best Middle Player 2: Wasantha Lakmal (Army), Best Opposite Player: Kalei Chelwam (Army), Best Setter: Prabath Dushyantha (Army), Best Libero: Manoj Suranga (Army), Most Valauable Player: Sajith Kelumratne (Army).

Super League Women’s Final: Champion: Sri Lanka Air Force, 1st Runner-up: Sri Lanka Army, Best Outside Hitter 1: Dinesha Prasadani (Air Force), Best Outside Hitter 2: Thilini Wasana (Army), Best Middle Player: 1 Iresha Umagangani (Air Force), Best Middle Player 2: Chathurika Ranasinghe (Air Force), Best Opposite Player: Amani Kaushalya (Air Force), Best Setter: JWP Thushari (Air Force), Best Libero: Naduni Himansala (Air Force), Most Valuable Player: JWP Thushari (Air Force)

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