The action-packed 4th CISM World Military Beach Volleyball Championship 2023 concluded Yesterday (17 February 2023) with unforgettable memories for fans across the coastal city of Negombo. A total of 90 games were played over a span of five days, with a number of fans gathering at Negombo Beach on the final day to witness the thrilling sporting action. The Grand finals and the Awards Ceremony was graced by the Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Udeni Rajapakse, as the Chief Guest.
The Frenchmen claimed gold in the grand finals, defeating the German duo in the Men’s category. Olivier Barthelemy and Samuel Cattet defeated the German duo of Lukas Pfretzschner and Robin Sowa in a thrilling deciding third set. France pair won the first set 19-21, but Germany edged the second 21-17 and won the decider 10-15. Paul and Sven, the pair from German Team 2, secured the Bronze in the Men’s category.
Meanwhile, Aline Chamereau and Clemence Vieira from France defeated the Sri Lankan duo of Deepika Bandara and Kushani Tharuka during the grand Women’s finals. The French duo beat the Sri Lankan pair 21–09 in the first set and 21–14 in the second set at the finals. Prasadini and Thushari from Sri Lankan Team 2 won the bronze in the Women’s category.
The event was attended by Chairman Organizing Committee, Air Vice Marshal Nishantha Thilakasinghe, Director General Air Operations, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Wickremaratne, Director General Aeronautical Engineering, Air Vice Marshal Ranjith Senanayake, Base Commander SLAF Base Katunayake, Air Vice Marshal Lasitha Sumanaweera, Director General Welfare, Air Commodore Suharshi Fernando, Director Sports SLAF, Air Commodore Senaka Fernandopulle, Director Sports SL Army, Brigadier Nalin Banaranayake, Director Sports SL Navy, Commodore Roshan Athukorala and senior tri-forces officers from both local and foreign.