Maldives has lost to Sri Lanka in the first friendly match played in preparation for the Central-Zone Volleyball Tournament to be hosted in Bangladesh later this month.

The friendly game between the national volleyball teams of Maldives and Sri Lanka was held at the Maldives Centre for Social Education on Thursday.

The Sri Lankan team won the game three sets to one.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih attended the match and unveiled the official jersey set of the Maldives team.

During the first set of the friendly game held in preparation for the Bangabandhu Asian Central Zone Men's and Women's Volleyball Challenge Cup 2021, Maldives failed to show a competitive game and even missed multiple services. Sri Lanka led the set 25-13.

Both teams showed equally competitive performance in the second set, however, the set ended with Sri Lanka acquiring an easy win with a 25-14 score.

The third set commenced with Sri Lanka in the lead and ended with a 18-25 score.

Maldives is scheduled to play three friendly matches against Sri Lanka in the preparations, the second match will be held on Friday night.

The third match will commence on Sunday.