“My target is to build a Badminton complex with all facilities and organise an International-standard national championship next year in 2024. I hope to find a suitable location or building for this Badminton Complex,” said Sri Lanka Badminton President Rohan de Silva at the 71st National Badminton Championship press conference held at the 80′ Club last Tuesday.
The 71st National Badminton Championship has attracted more than 1000 shuttlers, and all leading ranking players are expected to participate in this event, which will take place from December 4 to 10 at three venues: Sri Lanka Badminton Headquarters indoor courts, Mercantile Badminton Association courts and D.S Senanayake College Badminton courts. This is the main domestic tournament event of the calendar and the main draw seedings based on Sri Lanka Badminton Ranking were held last November 28, with the draw taking place today at No 2, Cambridge Terrance, Colombo 07.
“We have focused more on youngsters and are especially proud of Viren Nettasinghe and Ranithma Liyanage, the 17-year-old girl from Christ Church Baddegama who was last year’s national women’s champion. Viren Nettasinghe the 20-year-old former St. Peter’s Bambalapitiya, who is the world ranking 76th player, and both these players along with defending Men’s champion Bueaneka Gunatilleka, also will be in action,” said Rohan.
This tournament includes boys and girls under 11, 13, 15, 17, 19 junior categories and open men’s, women’s singles, doubles, mixed doubles, and Masters over 30 to over 70 categories—a good platform for all age limit badminton shuttlers.
“Due to more entries, we have to play matches at three venues once again this time. All Sports Ministers promised to give place or the building to make a new Badminton Complex with full facility of courts, but no one was able to fulfil this. I think the new Sports Minister Harin Fernando will attend to our most wanted issue of the Badminton Complex, and we would like to see all matches in one place at least next year,” added Rohan.
“SLB has already formed regional-level development squads for a talent search, and their main vision is to give more International match exposure for the shuttlers. Every shuttler should get this opportunity, with attractive prizes and cash awards for the winners and runners-up, and prize money of two million will be up for grabs,” he said.
Sri Lanka Badminton, together with sponsors, hopes for the success of this event, with live TV coverage of the finals on December 10.
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