By Dhammika Ratnaweera
Record number of entries have been registered to compete in the 66th National Badminton championship which will commence today 29th at the Royal college sports complex at Reid Avenue.
According to the Sri Lanka Badminton President Nishantha Jayasinghe this is going to be the first time where the highest prize money will be on offer to grab amounting to 75,000,00 rupees for the winners. “It had been a difficult time for the association to conduct national championships due to financial difficulties but we want to give away the maximum for the players to benefit from this sport” said Jayasinghe thanking the sponsors who had been generous to come forward for this tournament.
Pyramid Wilmer Pvt Ltd makers of Meadowlea and Yonex Sunrise has come forward to sponsor this tournament and it’s gives more value to this tournament.
All leading badminton players Buwaneka Gunathileka, Sachin Dias as the number one pair in the men’s while Thilini Hendahewa, Kavidi Ishadini and Youth Olympic gold medalist Hasini Ambalangodage will be main attractions in the tournament.
The experienced Karunaratna brothers Niluka, Diluka and Dinuka once again will look to make their dominance in Sri Lanka badminton looking to reach the finals with Buwaneka is the hot favourite after winning the Mercantile tournament on Sunday and in top form to win the Nationals this time.
There had been numerous entries for junior events from under 13, 15, 17, and 19 singles and masters events under 40, 50 and over 55 are also expected to be very competitive.
Chief referee Samantha Nawaratna said they are very busy with making draws for each event and all the matches will commence from 8am onwards.ù
Due to the more entries there are special qualification events to be worked out at the SLBA courts. The finals will be played on last day on 3rd November.
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