Munchee National Volleyball from Jan 10

By Leslie Fernando

VOLLEYBALL: Sri Lanka Volleyball Federation has made all arrangements to hold the Munchee National Volleyball Championships sponsored by Ceylon Biscuits Company Limited starting 10th January 2008. Entries for the tourney close on December 29.

According to Susie Ranasinghe, the Secretary SLVF, the tournament will be conducted at three levels, first on Divisional Secretarial Level on January 10, on Provincial Level from February 16 while at National level from March 10 to 23 at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium. The champions in both men and women's tournaments in Divisional Secretariat Level will qualify to play at Provincial Level then Provincial winner automatically qualify to play at National Level.

Three teams each from Western Province, Southern Province, Central Province, Northern Province together with two teams each from Wayamba, Sabaragamuwa, North Central and Uva Provinces will be selected to battle-it-out for National Championship honours.

Ranasinghe added that this year, the Novices Tournament has seen scrapped due to various reasons. Mainly National players were included in this tournament.

The SLVF has decided to change the rule of registration of team players. Only three National players will be allowed to represent a club, Ranasinghe said.

Last year, 2,676 teams participated at this popular volleyball tournament which is considered a world record in Volleyball Tournament participation. Ceylon Biscuits Company presented a sum of fifteen million rupees as sponsorship to the Sri Lanka Volleyball Federation.

As usual, there will be awards for the winners, runners-up at District, Provincial and National Level. In addition, there will be awards for Best Setter, Best Spinner, Best Defence Player and Most Outstanding Player and Most Disciplined Team.