Second netball trial on March 29

By Susil Premalal

The Netball Federation of Sri Lanka (NFSL) has decided to conduct the second selection trial on March 29 from 8.00 am at the Indoor Stadium in Bandaragama.

A national senior netball training squad comprising 30 players, including several experienced athletes who have played at national and international levels, has already commenced training. Former Sri Lanka player and coach Somitha de Alwis is serving as the head coach of the squad.

The 14th Asian Senior Netball Championship 2026 is scheduled to be held in Hong Kong from August 7 to 16. The tournament will also serve as the Asian qualifying event for the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney and the top two teams will secure qualification.

Following the first selection trial held recently, 30 players were shortlisted. From this group, 18 players will be selected on March 29 to undergo residential training at the Ratnapura Provincial Indoor Stadium, with arrangements already made by the NFSL. After daily training sessions based in Ratnapura, the final selection of 12 players is expected to take place in early July, according to the coaching staff’s plan.

Although eight coaches had applied for the position of voluntary assistant coach to support the head coach, a suitable candidate is yet to be announced.