Sri Lanka team comprised six promising shuttlers secured the 12th position which was their best thus far in world mixed team events with three wins. Playing World Mixed Championship gave more expourse for local juniors and a real boost for their career.
China grabbed the gold medal, pushing defending champions Indonesia to second position. Japan and hosts India shared the bronze medal, as team Sri Lanka secured two group round wins from three games to record a perfect start.
Sri Lanka team started with a 2-1 win against United Arab Emirates, after losing the first round by 30-45 to bounce back with remarkable wins of 45-34 and 45-44. But they lost to India by 27-45 and 28-45 before making a strong comeback against Nepal, who were thrashed by Sri Lankan shuttlers by 45-21 and 45-28 to reach the quarter-finals.
With a 2-1 win against Poland, 45-37, 34-45 and 45-26, Sri Lanka moved to face the Philippines in the semi-final as they suffered a straight loss after a strong battle (40-45, 41-45) to enter the 11-12 position battle against Turkey.
With a straight loss of 37-45 and 36-45 against a strong Turkey side, Sri Lanka secured the overall 12th position, their best achievement in the recent history.
Sri Lanka’s display was superb as they finished ahead of other top contenders in world badminton Denmark, Canada, Poland, Hong Kong, Australia, England, Singapore and Romania to name a few.
The Sri Lanka team was represented by boy shuttlers Sanuda Ariyasinghe, Keneth Aruggoda, Thisath Rupathunga and girl shuttlers Sandathi Hewagallage, Pawani Illeperuma and Ranithma Liyanage.
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