The Army Inter Regiment Para-Beach Volleyball Tournament, held for the first time for disable Army sportsmen over the weekend at Wadduwa Holiday Resort beach proved to be a success.
This was the first time Beach Volleyball was introduced to the Army para sports calendar, in addition to other 13 sport features that have so far been contested in the para sports tournament.
Championship in the novel beach volleyball tournament was won by players of Sri Lanka Light Infantry (SLLI) and Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment (VIR) players emerged runners-up. The 3rd place was clinched by players representing Gajaba Regiment (GR).
Contestants, Corporal E.D.P. Lalith Kumara (SLLI), Corporal M.W.A. Priyankara (SLLI) and Private K.K.W. Saman Kumara (SLLI), Sergeant W.A.A. Udaya Pushpakumara (VIR), Corporal R.G.P. Vijayrathne (VIR), Private P.H.K. Jayathissa (VIR), Corporal S.M. Rohana Sriram (GR), Corporal S.N. Senevirathne (GR), Private H.M.M.B. Herath (GR) jointly representing their respective regiments emerged winners in the final championship tussle.
Major General E.P De Z Abeysekara, Chairman, Sri Lanka Army Association for Disable Beach Volleyball gave away the Championship Trophy to the winners. Brigadier R Wickremasinghe, Lieutenant Colonel Mahesh Kumara, Mr Karunaratne Wickremasinghe and several other senior officers were associated with the award ceremony.
Volleyball for disabled persons is generally played under three categories, standing, beach and sitting volleyball.
