The 35th World Military Men’s Volleyball Championships, which was hosted by Iran in Tehran, concluded last Sunday with Sri Lanka earning the number four spot with an impressive display.
The tournament was held for a period of nine days with ten countries battling it out for the prestigious title.
Under the leadership of Morris Chaminda, who also represents Navy, it happened to be the first time that Sri Lanka took part in the tournament as well.
Sri Lanka, being drawn to group B saw many challenges to overcome as they would be facing tournament powerhouses in the form of China and South Korea.
Sri Lanka rose to the challenge and defeated China 3 sets to 1. Furthermore, the Sri Lankan military men eased past the other contenders to the title as well, namely South Korea and Lebanon, by winning 3 sets consecutively in both matches, thus earning the chance to progress from the group stages.
Venezuela, which was also drawn in group B saw a shock defeat at the hands of Lebanon as the latter showed resilience in coming from behind to win the match by 3 sets to 2.
Sri Lanka, being group B leaders, proceeded through to the semi-finals, and were up against group A runner up, South Korea once again.
China earning the number two spot in group B had to face up against the host country, Iran as they were group A leaders.
The semi-final matches took place last Saturday but Sri Lanka did not show the drive they possessed in the group stages, and this was further reflected when they were defeated by South Korea 3 sets to 1.
The second semi-final match proved too much for the Chinese team as well, as they were defeated comfortably by the host nation, Iran, 3 sets to 0.
Sri Lanka losing to South Korea, however, did not mean the end of the tournament as they would have to play China for the third place match.
It was once again bad news as Sri Lanka lost to the Chinese 3 sets to 0, which eventually earned our military men the fourth place. However, the team was praised for showing a fighting spirit throughout the tournament, considering the fact that it was just their first time in such a tournament.
An enthralling final was predicted to take place last Sunday as the host nation, Iran, and South Korea took to the stage. However, that was not to be as the host nation pummelled the Koreans 3 sets to 0 thus, earning the title of ‘35th World Military Men’s Volleyball Champions’, while South Korea came in second place.
The Sri Lankan team was coached by Sri Lanka Air Force trainers, Saman Chandranath and Jagath Senadeera.
