Strong Colombo squad

K.S. Meegasthanna (extreme left 1st row), K.A.P.Nishantha (3rd left, 1st row), E.A.U.K. Alwis (6th left, 1st row)), A.L.M.Niswan (4th, 2nd row) are among the national stars in the Colombo squad. Top picture on the right is KRA Ranasinghe who would be leading the team as the manager


Colombo have named several national players in their sides for the International Inter City Kabaddi Championships to be held at the Police Depot in Kuala Lumpur from December 26-28.

Their women's side will feature three players, who had helped Sri Lanka to the silver at the last South Asian Games.

The selection of the trio of UMNWPJM Rathnayake, MMNTK Bandara and SPN Dilhani would certainly put Colombo as one of the early favourites to win the women's competition at the tournament.

Colombo's strongest challenge is expected to come from India's Srinagar.

The Colombo men's squad would also see several former and current national players.

The squad would feature the likes of KPT Thushara, KS Meegastanne, ALM Niswan, EAUK Alwis and KAP Nishantha, who have all played for Sri Lanka at the Asian Games as well as the South Asian Games.

The strong Colombo squad would certainly be a major threat to the medal aspirations of the hosts Kuala Lumpur

New Delhi and Srinagar are also expected to be strong contenders in the men's competition.

Kuala Lumpur have just returned from a training stint in New Delhi and are hopeful of a strong finish at the championships.

The Kuala Lumpur squad is expected to feature several key players who helped the side win the Sukma gold earlier this year.

During the training stint in New Delhi, the team was also invited to play in a tournament and finished second to an Indian team.

The championships is part of the continued development programme conducted by the KAKL.

The state teams are currently being coached by former national captain Balamurugan Rengasami Naidu. Balamurugan, who is also the current national women's coach, and assisted by S. Balakrishnan.

Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya are expected to name their squads for the tournament before Wednesday.

Eepro, Milo and 100 Plus are among the sponsors of the tournament, also supported by the Federal Territory Sports Council.