For the first time in the history of Ceylon Badminton, a Senior International Badminton Tournament is to be hosted in Sri Lanka. The event will take place at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium from the 26th – 28th November.
273 veteran pros of the game from 8 top sporting nations will compete across 9 age groups during the course of three days. Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, Nepal, China, Malaysia, Chinese Taipei and Macau will bring in the contenders for the tournament.
Speaking during a press conference held in Colombo, the tournament’s Deputy Director, Trevor Reckerman, said: “Badminton is a sport loved by many sportsmen and women that has brought many accolades to the country from the international scene. But sad to say, players, after reaching their peak form, give up the game at competitive level and continue at it just to maintain their fitness.
“The tournament will also help to promote the sport among veterans while developing the interest at international level. With many foreign senior players in action in the local arena the young local players will get the opportunity to witness them and improve on their own standards. Already players from over 10 countries have made enquiries about the tournament and had stated that they are willing to come for the event,” Reckerman added.
Competitions will be held under eight age categories, namely over 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65 and 70 in men’s and women’s singles, doubles and mixed doubles. The podium winners in each category will be awarded medals and certificates while a total of $7500 will be on offer for champions and runners up of each event.
The Sri Lankan team is poised with some of the best shuttlers the country has produced in the golden age. Niroshan Wijekoon who was Sri Lanka’s top player for 7 consecutive years will play for glory in the Men’s 50+ event as top seed. Another Sri Lanka’s top ranker for a decade, Udaya Weerakoon is also in the same category along while Maran Thangavelu of India is seeded 2nd in the draw.
Ranjini Senevirathne, Kaushalya Dissanayake, Duminda Jayakody, Suash Janaka and Manjula Fernando will also play as favourites to top their respective age groups. Thanuja Liyanage, Niroshan John and Rohan De Silva are also threats to watch out for from the local team.
Dominating the International arena, Ajith Upendra Jayawardena, Rohan De Silva, Chris and Clarence have recently won Gold in the Vegas Masters’ Badminton Championship and will look at a top podium finish in the upcoming Senior Masters International Tournament.
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