Netballers warm up with eyes on Asian title

Six-time champions Sri Lanka are leaving no stone unturned in their bid to regain the Asian Netball Championship title when they travel to Hong Kong next month. ‎Asia’s premier netball tournament will be held from August 7 to 16 at the Kai Tak Sports Park. As part of their preparations, the selected Sri Lankan squad is currently engaged in a four-leg Netball Exposure Series against New Zealand’s Lincoln University team. ‎The visitors won the opening leg in Galle, while Sri Lanka bounced back in Kandy with a thrilling 56-55 victory after edging a closely contested encounter. The remaining matches will be played in Kelaniya and Colombo before the series concludes on July 9. ‎The Netball Federation of Sri Lanka and the Ministry of Sports, the organisers of the Exposure Series, believe the high-intensity matches against strong international opposition will provide valuable preparation ahead of the continental championship. ‎The Asian Championship carries added significance as it also serves as Asia’s qualifying tournament for the 2027 Netball World Cup, with the top two teams securing places at the global showpiece.

Sri Lanka team in action during the series against Lincoln University team in Galle. Sri Lanka remain the most successful nation in the history of the Asian Netball Championship, having won six titles since the inaugural tournament in 1985. The Lankans have also displayed remarkable consistency, finishing among the top three in every edition of the tournament. Their most recent campaign ended in heartbreak when they lost a thrilling 67-64 final to defending champions Singapore in 2024. ‎The 2026 squad will be led by experienced captain Thisala Algama, with the selectors combining seasoned campaigners and exciting young talent in their quest to reclaim the Asian crown. ‎The squad comprises Thisala Algama (captain), Thilini Wattegedara, Dulangi Wannithilaka, Gayanjali Amaravansa, Rashmi Perera, Gayani Dissanayake, Thumalka Ekanayake, Bashi Udagedara, Malmi Hettiarachchi, Anjalika Thilakaratne, Chalani Neesha and Thimi Wasanthapriya. ‎With several experienced players retained from the 2024 runners-up squad and a number of promising youngsters added to the mix, Sri Lanka will be aiming to mount another strong title challenge. However, they are expected to face stiff competition from defending champions Singapore, Malaysia, hosts Hong Kong and the other leading Asian nations. ‎Backed by a proud tradition and an outstanding record on the continental stage, Sri Lanka will be hoping to capture a record-extending seventh Asian title and reaffirm their status as one of Asia’s netball powerhouses. (RF)‎