Commander of the Navy felicitates runners-up of 4th CISM World Military Beach Volleyball Women's Championship

The Sri Lanka Navy on 17th February 2023 emerged as the runners-up in the 4th CISM World Military Beach Volleyball Women's Championship, hosted by Sri Lanka. Representing the Sri Lanka Navy, Woman Ordinary Seaman MGD Bandara and Woman Ordinary Seaman AKT Lakshani competed in some intense matches and won the runners-up title. Appreciative of their performances, Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, who is also the President of the Navy Sports Board, presented cash prizes (Rs. 75,000 each) to the 02 players at the Navy Headquarters today (06th April).

The 4th CISM World Military Beach Volleyball Championship was held at the picturesque Negombo beach from 11th to 17th February. Including Sri Lanka, beach volleyball teams representing the countries of France, Germany, Netherlands, Colombia, Oman and Saudi Arabia participated in it. In the final encounter, the Sri Lanka Navy and French women’s teams locked horns where the Sri Lanka Navy earned the second-place finish. Commander of the Navy expressed his pride and appreciation for the Navy women's outstanding performance in the championship. In recognition of the credit they brought to the Navy and the country, he presented both players with cash prizes, congratulating them for their hard work and dedication.

Woman Ordinary Seaman MGD Bandara is a talented player in the Navy Beach Volleyball Pool, who become the champion in Central Asian Beach Volleyball Championship 2022, Sri Lanka as well as the runner-up in the 13th South Asian Beach Volleyball Championship, Nepal and Olympic qualifying game in 2020, India.

Similarly, Woman Ordinary Seaman AKT Lakshani also won the Defence Services Beach Volleyball Championship title in 2016 and National Beach Volleyball Championship in 2018. In addition, she became the runner-up in the 13th South Asian Beach Volleyball Championship, Nepal and Olympic qualifying game in 2020, India.

The Navy on previous occasions has recognized the performance of its athletes who brought much credit to the Navy as well as the motherland, representing the country in national and international arena. Such incentives will be much-needed recognition for players who represent Navy and their country with honour and distinction.