The Li Ning Sri Lanka Challenge International Badminton Tournament was off to a flying start, with several thrilling encounters in the qualifying round being carried out at the Dadella Sports Complex in Galle.
This prestigious tournament which promises to be a showcase of badminton excellence, kicked off with a grand ceremony, attended by Sri Lanka Badminton President Rohan de Silva who graced the occasion as the chief guest.
A total of 33 Sri Lankan shuttlers were in action in both men’s and women’s singles categories yesterday, taking their respective opponents who represented India, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Zambia, Maldives, and Bangladesh.
- A winning start from Ushan Thivanka
- Stage set for Li Ning Sri Lanka Challenge; Netthasinghe to face Mannepalli in opener
The high-profile tournament, sanctioned by both the Badminton World Federation and Badminton Asia, will see players from 14 nations in action.
This is also the first international badminton tournament held in Sri Lanka in nine years, and a prize pool of $15,000 is on offer for the podium winners.
The tournament encompasses various categories, including Open Men’s and Women’s Singles and Doubles, as well as Mixed Doubles. The qualifiers for the main tournament also feature these categories.
The Li Ning Sri Lanka Challenge concludes on February 11.
The event is broadcast live on Dialog Papare TV and through the Papare social media network. Notable sponsors for this event include Li Ning, Mobil, GAC, 3M, McFoil, and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, with American Water being the official drinking water sponsor.
