Rohan de Silva the President of Sri Lanka Badminton (SLB) (second from right) briefing the media regarding Badminton National championship. Others in the head table (from left) Malika Waduge Secretary of the Sri Lanka Schools Badminton Association, Roshan Gunawardena the Vice President of SLB and Tournament Director Rohana de Silva. (Pic by Sudath Nishantha)
A record number of 1,780 shuttlers in 72 events will be in action at the National senior and junior Badminton Champion which is scheduled to be held from January 16-22 at Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium.
With these massive entries there are two other venues SLB courts at Maitland place and Mercantile Badminton Indoor Stadium at Malalasekera Mawatha will conduct the matches and this tournament will have more matches, events and bigger prize money said SLB President Rohan de Silva at the press conference held at 80’ Club at Torrington Square.
We have a close relationship with the Schools Badminton Association and recently several youngsters got a chance to take part in international tournaments as well as domestic tournaments which gave good exposure said SLB President.
The events are under 11,13,15,17,19 singles and doubles while for the first time under 19 mixed doubles event at the Junior Nationals while most competitive Senior Nationals comprise open men’s and women’s singles and doubles, mixed doubles while masters events from the age group over 30 to 70 give more opportunities for the elders both men and women at this seven day tournament which is sponsored by Mobil, 3M, McFoil, JAC, McLarens Group.
school participation is very important to go forward said Schools Badminton Association Secretary Malika Waduge. Actually from the Zonal and district basis this tournament will see the cream of young talent qualify for the major tournament and they can get good match exposure said former National player and Physical Education Instructor of Southlands BMV Galle Malika Waduge.
Roshan Gunawardena the former President now serving as SLB Vice President said they have made district and Provincial level pools and given all infrastructure facilities for them and Rohan de Silva the President of SLB gives his financial assistance.
We have an idea to conduct an international tournament here in Sri Lanka this year after this National championship and already we have invited the Asian Badminton Confederation Development Body officials to come here to see this Nationals.
The sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe will be the chief guest on the final day on January 22 at the closing ceremony.
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