Sri Lanka National Youth Baseball Team compete in Asian Youth Baseball Championships

Tuesday, 2 September 2014 01:33 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lanka has been selected by BFA (Baseball Federation of Asia) to compete in the 2014 Asian Youth Baseball Championship to be held in Thailand from 1 to 8 September. Only eight countries out of 25 baseball playing countries in Asia have been selected to compete in this prestigious championship. Accordingly Sri Lanka, Japan, Chinese Taipei, Korea, Pakistan, Phi-lippines, Thailand, and Hong Kong are competing in the tournament.

The Association is reportedly very enthusiastic about Sri Lanka’s inclusion in this prestigious event and practices commenced in advance and the team is progressing well in their preparations. The final team practice session took place on Thursday 28 August at the Japan-Sri Lanka Friendship Baseball Ground at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Sports Complex, Diyagama, Homagama, and the team departed on Saturday to Thailand. The 18 member team is expected to deliver their best in aiming at a medal although the world No. 2 Japan, No. 4 Chinese Taipei, and No. 8 Korea are competing in the championship. Currently Sri Lanka holds the 30th position in the world Baseball rankings. Sri Lanka will play in Group 1 in the preliminary stage against China, Japan, and Philippines. The team comprises with players from various parts of the island and majority comes from Colombo, Kandy and Galle. They underwent training for over two months with two competent Sri Lankan baseball coaches that have a wealth of experience. Sri Lanka will play their first match against China on the first day of the tournament today at the Queen Sirikit Sports Centre Baseball Stadium. American National College is partnering the team as the official education partner. Team: Shan Tennakoon (Captain), Dubramaniam Vasit-haran (Vice Captain), Asanka Lakmal Peiris, Sahan Avishka Dias Gunasekara, Tharindu Pitawala, Shenal Duvin, Chathura Sandamaal, Chaminda Harsha Elwatta, Manul Randula, Kalana Kithsiri Dias, Kavinda Rajarathna, Dilen Fernando, Kavindu Madubashana Herath, Naveen Promod Dharmadasa, Pasindu Malinda Perera, Kusal Chathuranga, Bimsara Avinash and Hasiru Malith Perera. Head Coach Sisira Kumbukage and Asst. Coach Priyantha Peiris.