ACZ spikers in action from tomorrow

Bernard Perera

Volleyball: The Asian Central Zone volleyball Championship organised by Sri Lanka Volleyball Federation in association with Asian Volleyball Confederation starts at Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium tomorrow at 10.00 a.m.

The opening ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. with Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayake as chief guest.

Minister of Sports Jeewan Kumaratunga will be the guest of honour with Ambassadors of all participating countries expected to grace the occasion.

The Participating countries are India, Pakistan, Maldives, Kazakstan and the host country Sri Lanka. Iran the world's number two were to compete but due to unavoidable circumstances had to withdraw from the tourney at the last moment.

Soon after the opening ceremony Sri Lanka will take on Maldives in the first game at 11.00 a.m. In the second game at 4.00 p.m. Pakistan meet India. The championship close on 12 March with the final game between India and Kazakstan at 3.00 p.m. followed by the awards ceremony. Sri Lanka's leading footwear manufacturers D. Samson Industries sponsors the championship.

The winners of the tourney will be awarded the DSI Challenge trophy. There will also be special awards on offer for best performers in different sections.

The match schedule is as follows.

Mar. 8 11.00 a.m. Sri Lanka Vs. Maldives. 4.00 p.m. Pakistan Vs India

Mar. 9 2.00 p.m. Maldives Vs Kazakstan 4.00 p.m. Sri Lanka Vs. India

Mar. 10 2.00 p.m. Sri Lanka Vs. Kazakstan 4.00 p.m. Pakistan Vs. Maldives

Mar. 11 2.00 p.m. India Vs Maldives 4.00 p.m. Pakistan Vs Kazakstan

Mar. 12 1.00 p.m. Sri Lanka Vs Pakistan 3.00 p.m. Kazakstan Vs India 5.00 p.m. closing ceremony.