In what could be a major development, Sri Lanka netball players who lack exposure at international level welcomed the Invitational netball league tournament conducted by Sri Lions from United Arab Emirates that began yesterday at St. Joseph’s College Indoor Stadium in Colombo.
The Sri Lions Netball League promises riveting competition among six formidable teams, including international contenders, heralding a new era of global recognition for Sri Lankan sports.
The participating teams are Sri Lions, Matrix from Maldives, Sri Lanka Schools, Sir John Kothalawala Defence University, State Services Netball Association and Nationalised Services Netball Association teams.
Former national netball coach Thilaka Jinadasa said the tournament was a long-felt need for local players.
“If we are to improve our world rankings, we need to play tournament matches at international level and not just friendlies. Otherwise we cannot go beyond winning the Asian championship,” stressed Jinadasa who has coached Sri Lanka to the Asian title on two occasions.
“The style of play is different on the world stage. European and African teams are more aggressive unlike Asians. If we don’t play more international tournaments, our national players won’t get that experience,” she pointed out.
A double international in athletics and netball, it has been Jinadasa’s dream to start a netball league in Sri Lanka.
“When there is a tournament with foreign players and teams competing, it will definitely lift the standard of local players,” said Jinadasa who is netball coach and advisor for the Dubai-based Sri Lions.
The tournament will be played on a league basis with the teams drawn into two groups before the knockout rounds.
