The first ever Asia Challenge Cup with the participation of eight teams is to take place in Sri Lanka from September 15 to 21 at the Sugathadasa stadium.
The launching of the ‘Mascot Logo’ for the tournament was launched at the Kingsbury Hotel on Wednesday in the presence of the Minister of Sports Faizer Mustapha, Minister of Power and
Renewable Energy and President of the Sri Lanka Volleyball Federation Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, head of Broadband and Fixed Telecom Dialog, Navin Peiris, Group Marketing Officer Dialog Axiata Amali Nanayakkara and Secretary SLVBF AS Nalaka.
Though volleyball was named as the national sport of Sri Lanka in 1991 it never had the opportunity of conducting an international championship.
Minister Siyambalapitiya said that Sri Lankan spikers at present are doing well to keep the national flag flying high.
He thanked the main Sponsor Dialog Axiata Plc for coming forward to sponsor this history-making event become a reality.
Minister Mustapha addressing the gathering praised the Volleyball Federation for running its affairs on their own minimizing problems for the Ministry of Sports.
“This is a great success for a sports governing body to show their commitment to promote the sport. All other associations should follow the footsteps of SLVBF if they are to make an impact in their respective sports”, said Minister Mustapha.
He said the Volleyball Federation manages their finances “in a decent way”.
“The Federation has never faced financial difficulties and also never troubled the Ministry by requesting for financial assistance”, the Minister added.
C. Ratnamudali who heads the first Asia Challenge Cup Organizing Committee explaining the matters pertaining to the tournament said: “At present Sri Lanka is ranked 34th in the Asian region and this tournament will give us an opportunity to climb up in the ranking”.
He noted that this is the first time the Asian Volleyball Confederation has decided to name it as the Asia Challenge Cup.
On completion of the tourney the winner and the runner up will move to the top eight in Asian rankings. At present Sri Lanka spikers are in good form and competing in the Asian Games.
Match Schedule:
15 Sept. 09.30 am Bangladesh vs Iraq, 11.30 am United Arab Emirates vs Mongolia, 04.30 Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong, 06.30 Malaysia vs Saudi Arabia.
16 Sept. 10.00 United Arab Emirates vs Bangladesh, 01.30 Mongolia vs Iraq, 04.00 Sri Lanka vs Malaysia, 06.30 Hong Kong vs Saudi Arabia.
17 Sept. 10.00 Iraq vs United Arab Emirates, 01.30 Bangladesh vs Mongolia 04.00 Malaysia vs Hong Kong, 06.30 Sri Lanka vs Saudi Arabia.