The Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge Asia/Oceania Group 3 competition will kick-off on June 16 at the Sri Lanka Tennis Association’s (SLTA) Clay Courts, with nine nations vying for promotion to Group 2 next year.
The tournament runs until June 21 and features teams from Pakistan, Nepal, Turkmenistan, Qatar, Tajikistan, Myanmar, Iraq, Syria and the host nation, Sri Lanka.
The six-day tournament is expected to be a thrilling contest, with the winning team earning promotion to the more prestigious Group 2 for the following year.
The Sri Lankan Team, led by non-playing Captain Thangarajah Dineshkanthan, is ready to take on the challenge with their strong line-up of talented players: Sri Lanka’s number one Dinara de Silva, Akeesha Silva, Oneli Samarawickrama, Inuki Jayaweera and Tuvini Seyara de Alwis.
The event’s refereeing team brings international expertise with Charles Lau from Hong Kong serving as the Chief Referee, Anjana de Silva from Sri Lanka as Assistant Referee and Sarangan Jayachandrirun, also from Sri Lanka, as the Chief Umpire.
Nithiyanathan Sylan, from Sri Lanka, is the Tournament Director overseeing the smooth operation of the event.
Each team has brought their best players to the competition, including Iraq, led by Captain Ahmed Al-Saedi, with players like Shogher Tomasian and Zalal Khalil; Myanmar, Captained by Kyi Mya Zaw, with Htay Htay Myint and Nilar Win; and Nepal, under the captaincy of Krishna Raj Ghale, with players like Abhilasha Bista and Swastika Bista.
Pakistan, Captained by Sara Mansoor has Ushna Suhail and Meheq Khokhar among their strong contenders while Qatar, led by Mubaraka Al-Naimi, brings Hind Al-Mudahka and Dana Khalifa to the court.
Syria, under Captain Raymond Frossin, has Marry Abrash and Bana Izzi and Tajikistan, Captained by Dalerjon Qurbonov, is represented by Saiyora Rajabalieva and Anisa Yakhyaeva.
Turkmenistan, with Captain Gurbanberdi Gurbanberdiyev, will rely on players like Ilima Guseynova and Aynur Movlyamova.
With the Sri Lanka Tennis Association ensuring top-notch facilities and management, the event is expected to be a landmark in the region’s tennis calendar.
All eyes are now on the upcoming matches as the teams vie for victory and the coveted promotion.
