Thushari’s historic record breaking feat in Munchee Super League Volleyball Tourney

As a setter, Sri Lanka Air Force’s JWP Thushari achieved a record-breaking feat by clinching the Most Valuable Player (MVP) title at the 18th Munchee National Super League Volleyball Championship, which concluded last Sunday at the Maharagama Youth Centre.

In a first for Sri Lanka’s women’s volleyball history, Thushari, a setter, secured the MVP Award—an accolade never before claimed by someone in her position. Instrumental in the Sri Lanka Air Force team’s triumph, Thushari’s accomplishment resonates as a significant milestone in the country’s volleyball community.

In volleyball, a setter’s role is crucial, demanding strategic understanding of opponents’ weaknesses. Typically responsible for setting, serving, receiving, blocking, and defending, Thushari went above and beyond, showcasing her versatility by excelling in spiking as well.

“Throughout the series, I played exceptionally well, earning praise from everyone for my leadership in handling the team during the finals,” said Thushari.

Sri Lanka Air Force Coach Samansiri Seneviratne commended Thushari, stating, “Thushari is an exceptionally talented player; she was the driving force behind our championship victory this year. Her ability to discern the weaknesses of the opposing side is remarkable.”

Thushari, a former high attacker for Hungama National School during her school career, toured Thailand with the Sri Lanka Junior Volleyball Team. Joining the Sri Lanka Senior National Team at just 17 in 2007, she initially played as a high attacker before transitioning to the setter position in 2007 with the Sri Lanka Railway team. In 2010, she joined the Sri Lanka Air Force team.

Now 34, Thushari has been a stalwart in the Sri Lanka Air Force team for 14 years since joining in 2010. Her remarkable journey includes representing Sri Lanka in the South Asian Games in India, earning a silver medal in 2016. Notably, she clinched a bronze medal in Beach Volleyball at the World Military Games held at Browns Beach in Negombo earlier this year.

Following her pregnancy from 2016 to 2021, Thushari returned to the national team. Due to travel difficulties to practices in Dadella, Galle, with the national indoor volleyball team, she shifted her focus to beach volleyball—a decision that paid off. Thushari, alongside fellow Air Force player Dinesha Prasadini, became the national champions of Sri Lanka in the Beach Volleyball National Tournament in 2023.

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