Sri Lanka Squad: S.A. Janitha Surath, W. Tharusha Chamath, S. Isuru Madushan, Vidura Prabath, J.A. Mahela Indeewara, G.G. Lasindu Methmal, P.A.D. Ayesh Dilshan, C. Haritha Hashan, A.H.S.M. Silva, L. Vinod Madushanka, Nilanka Sanjaya, P. Kasun Chathuranga, W.A.D. Manoj Suranga and A.W. Lakmal
Uzbekistan Squad: Khosinov Bunyodbek, Yuldashev Umidjon, SobirovIslomjon, Rasulov Mukhammadali, Akhtamov Sanjar, Sattorov Dilmurod, Kuchkorov Azizbek, Isamov Khabibullokhon, Sobirov Akhrorjon, Egamkulov Bunyod, Shadmonov Mukhiddin and Nasrullaev Khusan Erkinovich
This Championship which was inaugurated by the Asian Volleyball Confederation in 2017 is expected to see the participation of 16 Asian countries. According to the rules specified the top ten teams automatically enters the Championship along with the host country. The other countries from five Asian zones demarcated by AVBC have to play the qualifying rounds to fill the other five slots to gain entry to play in the Championship.
The Asian Volleyball Championship was started by the Asian Volleyball Federation way back in 1975 and it was held once in two years for which Sri Lanka has participated on twelve occasions. Uzbekistan has competed only on four occasions. Sri Lanka first made their appearance in the year 1989 which was held in Iran.
Sri Lanka’s best achievement during this Championship came in the year 2011 where they were placed eighth in the overall standings. This achievement helped them to proceed to the Super League. In the year 2019 Lankans were placed 14th which also was the last championship held by the AVBC.
Uzbekistan entered the Championship for the first time in 1997 since then they have failed to enter the championship until 2005 and later competed in 2011 and 2013. Though they competed on four occasions they could not reach the top ten at any of these appearances and were placed at the bottom of the standings. In the past Sri Lanka has faced Uzbekistan only twice in 2011 and 2013. On both occasions Sri Lanka trounced Uzbekistan comfortably in straight sets.
Sri Lankan under 23 Men Spikers met Uzbekistan in 2019 in the Asian Championship and came up as victors beating them in straight sets in the first round and 3 sets to two in round two. Though Sri Lanka won two games against Uzbekistan they failed to maintain the winning streak later fighting for the ninth position losing to Uzbekistan 2-3.
According to Word ranking Sri Lanka is placed at 53rd position while Uzbekistan is placed at 136th slot. Accordingly Sri Lanka is placed at the tenth position in the Asian Rankings while their opponents on Thursday is placed at 24th position.
As Sri Lanka’s record against Uzbekistan stand well ahead it can be said that Sri Lanka has the advantage of overcoming their opponents on Wednesday to book their place to play in the upcoming Central Asia Senior Men’s Volleyball Championship in Japan.
The present Sri Lanka team led by Janitha Surath is packed with an experienced set of players is capable of outclassing Uzbekistan to book their berth at the Central Asia Senior Men’s Volleyball Championship in Japan