National Sport of Sri Lanka

The National Sport of Sri Lanka is Volleyball. The national sport status officially recognized in 1991. The sport was introduced to the country in 1916 by R.W. Camack, who was the Director of Physical Education at the Colombo Y.M.C.A. He first demonstrated volleyball to teacher trainees and students from schools in Colombo. Over time, the sport gained popularity and became an essential part of the country’s sporting culture.

History

Volleyball was invented in 1895 in Holyoke, Massachusetts, USA, by William G. Morgan. The sport quickly grew in popularity and was officially introduced to the Olympics in 1964. Since then, it has become one of the most widely played team sports in the world.

In 1951, the Sri Lanka Volleyball Federation (SLVF) was established to oversee the development of volleyball across the island. Today, the SLVF is the main governing body for the sport in Sri Lanka.

There is a belief that Sri Lankans played a similar sport before volleyball’s introduction. Elle was once recognized as the national sport of Sri Lanka.

The Game of Volleyball

Volleyball is a non-contact team sport played between two teams of six players each. A net divides the two teams, and the goal is to score points by grounding the ball on the opposing team’s side. The game follows strict rules and is played in three main parts: the serve, the pass, and the attack.

Volleyball is a fast-paced and dynamic sport that requires teamwork, skill, and strategy. Teams must work together to pass the ball over the net and prevent the opposing team from scoring.

Volleyball Ball Specifications

A volleyball ball is spherical and is typically made of either synthetic or genuine leather. It is constructed using 18 rectangular panels, organized into six identical sections. Each section consists of three panels. The panels are carefully wrapped around a bladder to form the final ball.

The official volleyball has the following specifications:

• Circumference: 65–67 cm (26–26 inches)
• Weight: 260–280 grams
• Air pressure: 0.30–0.325 kg/cm²