Sri Lanka’s test rugby team is preparing for a crucial final against Kazakhstan in the Asian Division I Rugby Tournament. For the island nation, this match represents a significant opportunity to ascend to the next level of Asian Rugby competition.
The clash with Kazakhstan, slated for today at 7 p m under floodlights at the Racecourse Stadium in Colombo, marks a pivotal moment for Sri Lanka, as they aim to secure their first test rugby final victory since their suspension from the sport a few years ago.
Head Coach Sanath Martis is the architect behind Sri Lanka’s game plan, emphasizing the importance of clinching victory to propel the team forward. “We need this win to elevate Sri Lanka Rugby to the next level. It will serve as a morale booster for our future players,” Martis affirmed.
The Kazakhstan squad: Captain Rasul Magomedov leads the team alongside Head of Relations Nurlan Balbarakov, Physio Aidana Nurakhmet, Team Manager Yerbol Amirtayev, Head Coach Ildar Abdrazakov, and Team Doctor Vladimir Terekhov, united in their quest for rugby excellence.
Test rugby epitomizes the pinnacle of oval ball sports, and Sri Lankan fans are eagerly anticipating a triumphant performance from their team. Martis reiterated the collective focus of the team management, rugby union, council, and players on securing victory in this crucial match.
The journey to the final has been arduous for both teams. Kazakhstan narrowly edged past Qatar in a tense semi-final encounter, setting the stage for an electrifying showdown against Sri Lanka. Despite acknowledging Kazakhstan’s physical advantage, Martis emphasized the importance of resilience and determination, stating, “It’s not about the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog.”
Nurlan Balbarakov, Head of International Relations of Kazakhstan Rugby, expressed his team’s readiness for the final clash, highlighting the significant investment made in preparation for the tournament. Reflecting on past encounters with Sri Lanka, Balbarakov acknowledged the formidable challenge posed by the island nation, particularly on home soil.
The atmosphere at the Race course Stadium is expected to be charged with anticipation as Sri Lanka enjoys home- advantage. Balbarakov expressed his hope for an exhilarating contest, emphasizing the mutual respect between the two teams.
As the clock ticks down to kick-off, all eyes are on Sri Lanka as they seek to seize this opportunity to reignite their presence on the international rugby stage. Victory against Kazakhstan would not only signify a triumph in the tournament but also signal a promising future for Sri Lankan rugby.
Sri Lanka Team: Janidu Fernando, Pulasthi Dasanayake, Charith Silva, Suhiru Anthony (captain), Raveen de Silva, Adeesha Weeratunga, Tharindu Chathuranga, Lasindu Karunathilake, Heshan Janson, Thenuka Nananayakkara, Sachith Silva, Tarainda Ratwatte (vice, captain Akash Madusanka, Dinal Ekanayake (Kandy), Murshid Doray, Venura Kodagoda, Dushmantha Priyadarshana,Faiz Abdulla, Shashika Fernando, Lahiru Thilakaratne Kavindu de Costa, Hirantha Perera, Hirusha Nethmina.
Kazakhstan team: Adam Gadaborshev, Akhiyat Imam, Georgiy Litvinov, Timofei
Maksimenko, Timur Timoshin, Nikita Ivanov, Yegor Khromov, Magomedrassul Magomedov (captain), Alexey Lukmanov, , Daulet Akymbekov, Roman Chsherbakov, Armanzhan Vassilov, Alexander Lymar, Maxim Petukhov, Abdrakhman Nazhibayev, Alexandr Belashov, Danil Sumskiy, Damir Kazibekov, Rodion Shipitsin, Illias Mambayev, Alisher Abdrakov, Jalil Muradov, Ali Boekeyhan Suerer.
