Sri Lanka’s shift in focus has started to bear fruit for them in volleyball. Against the might of Iran, South Korea, Japan and China, the island nation haven’t been able to achieve anything of note in indoor volleyball. Years of disappointment in the six-a-side variety forced them to concentrate solely on beach volleyball. Some concrete work from the national federation and monetary support from the government has helped Sri Lanka carve a niche in beach volleyball.

Sri Lanka’s top beach pair of Mahesh Perera and Wasantha Ratnapala are now a force to be reckoned with in Asia. At an Asian Beach Volleyball Tour event held in China last month, Mahesh and Vasantha finished a creditable second. They had accounted for strong teams from Australia, Iran, Thailand and Hong Kong to win an historic silver medal.

Mahesh and Wasantha, who are in the city for the Chennai Challenger 2010, are brimming with confidence. “We believe that we can win medals at the Asian Games and Asian Beach Games. Our performance in China has given us the confidence that we wan face any team in the continent,” Mahesh said after a practice session at the Elliot’s beach.

Mahesh doesn’t have the physique to excel at beach volleyball in which two players have to cover the entire court. He is well below six feet. And he can only hope to be fielded as a libero (an exclusive backcourt defender) in six-a-side volleyball. “I know that my lack of height is a big disadvantage in any format of volleyball. Height is critical in blocking. But I started to work hard to do well in beach volleyball instead of worrying about something I have no control over,” he said.

The 31-year-old counts on his experience to tide over his shortcomings. “If you ask me what is my biggest asset, I will say “experience.” In beach volleyball, experience is vital. Like many players in India and Sri Lanka, I also started my career in indoor volleyball. Playing six-a-side was useful as far as learning the basics of the game was concerned. But I haven’t looked back ever since I decided that beach was my calling,” he added.

Wasantha, who is a few inches taller than Mahesh even though he falls short of the optimum height, said their success has spawned interest in beach volleyball back home. “Recognition is important for sportspersons. I’m happy that our achievements have been lauded in Lanka. The media coverage for our Asian Tour silver was fabulous. We received valuable awards from many organisations. I’m happy that beach volleyball is gaining popularity among Sri Lankan youth thanks to our consistent performances,” he added.

Mahesh and Wasantha are employed with the Sri Lankan navy. “We get all the support we could wish for from the Lankan navy. Our government and a few sponsors are taking care of the expenses involved in foreign travel. Our officers ensure that we get time to train without any worries,” he said.

The size of the Lankan contingent here is a pointer to the strides the Emerald Island has taken in beach volleyball. Besides eight competitors (two teams each in men’s and women’s section), a coach and a physiotherapist are also part of the Lankan party. Even the ‘mighty’ India don’t have the luxury of a physio.

Coach Prasanna Udayakumara said the success of Mahesh and Wasantha could be attributed to their excellent fitness. “The two players may not have the required height but they always work hard to ensure that their endurance level is top class,” he added.

Prasanna said long-term plans are afoot to make beach volleyball a prominent sport in Sri Lanka. “The national federation is planning to conduct age group tournaments across the country to spot talent at the grassroots level. Mahesh and Wasantha are the main reasons for Sri Lanka’s newfound interest in beach volleyball,” he added.