The Badminton Nationals held over from 2022 due to recurring country issues will take center stage from 16 – 22 January at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium supplemented by sections at the SLB & MBA indoor courts!
What is staggering is the record number of entries received going well over the benchmark 1,500 reaching close to 1,700 in all.
The junior section posted close to 1,300 while the open event drew 84 entries of the Men & over 40 for the Women, demonstrating the absolute keenness from a new breed of young shuttlers!
Notable absentee will be the veteran and current champion, Niluka Karunaratne who has now retired from the local circuit remaining unchallenged over the years.
His sibling Dinuka who has flown back from the UK, will now look to take over that mantle and attempt keep the handsome trophies in the family vault!
Taking up the challenge will be a host of young hopefuls led by Viran Nettasinghe, Dumindu Abeywickrama & last year’s finalist, Rasindu Hendahewa.
Senior player like Buwaneka Gunetileke & Ranthushka Karunatilleke will no doubt be in the fray!
The ladies challenge will also come about with evergreen Thilini Hendahewa & Kavidi Sirimanage keen to get the better of the young challengers in Ranithma Liyanage, Panchali Adihkari & others!
The Organizing Committee led by Tournament Director Rohana de Silva is bringing all his international experience to bear on curating a lively event designed to transform the fortunes of Badminton in Sri Lanka.
Most Ex Co members are working as a team to support Rohana with President Rohan De Silva leading the charge.
Having Rohan at the helm has been a great blessing to the sport with his very generous financial support and influence with many stakeholders put together to bring out the best in the sport.
Gaja TV has been appointed Electronic Media Sponsor and has assured the SLB that they will provide extensive coverage for those who are unable to make their way to the stadiums.
Arrangements are also made to live stream matches on SLB and SLCBA website & FB channels.
Furthermore, the SLSBA is also working with the Colombo District Schools network to bring school badminton enthusiasts by special buses to witness at first hand, this top flight sports competition and encourage them to take to the sport.
Guests of Honor at the Finals & colorful Closing Ceremony are expected to be dignitaries of the Sports Ministry with the Hon. Minister as Chief Guest.
SLB President will do the honors at the Opening Ceremony. Past National Champions and Past Officials of SLB are expected to be among the distinguished guests.
Chief Referee Sanjeewa Wijesekera is in command to ensure a flawless schedule is kept in place and rules equitably applied across the board.
Maters Events will see some of the best players produced by Sri Lanka in action, bringing down the curtain on another immaculate Badminton Nationals that most expect will surpass previous events.
As the Badminton fraternity knows only too well, the Nationals sets the tone and ranking of the National Squads of the future and earmarks players who will do the honors at International Level in the future.
It is therefore the premier event in the Badminton calendar and for that reason, conducted to International standards setting new benchmarks of organization in the country!
Photo Caption Left to Right Malika Waduge - Sri Lanka school badminton secretary, Roshan Gunawardene - Vise president Sri Lanka Badminton, Rohan De Silva - President Sri Lanka Badminton, Rohana De Silva – Tournament Director
