Sri Lanka’s men’s Rugby Sevens team begins its Asian Games campaign today (1) at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with the Sri Lankans aiming to turn months of hard work, investment and preparation into a historic medal.
The Rugby Sevens competition will be worked off from today until October 3 at the Paloma Mizuho Stadium, with 12 men’s teams competing for the medals. Sri Lanka has been drawn in Group C alongside the UAE, Singapore and the Philippines.
The revised 13-member squad blends experienced campaigners with promising young talent and will be led by veteran Srinath Sooriyabandara, with experienced Janidu Dilshan and Gemunu Chethiya returning to the 13-man squad.
The team has also gained valuable international exposure through tournaments in France and London as part of its build-up, facing strong opposition in preparation for the Games.
The players have put in months of demanding training, travel and competition, backed by Sri Lanka Rugby’s High Performance program and support from stakeholders. The effort reflects the importance attached to producing a strong Asian Games performance and pushing Sri Lankan Sevens back towards the continental podium.
Sri Lanka will open against the Philippines at 7.35 a.m. today, followed by Singapore at 1.50 p.m. The final pool game is against the UAE tomorrow (2) at 7.35 a.m., with the knockout stages scheduled for October 3.
Squad: Srinath Sooriyabandara (Capt.), Diluksha Dange, Akash Madusanka, Chathura Soysa, Gayan Perera, Dinal Ekanayake, Jayathu Rajarathna, Janidu Dilshan, Shaahid Zumri, Kavidu Perera, Pasindu Bandara, Devinda Rathnayake and Gamunu Chethiya.