The ceremony was at the SLB Headquarters at Maitland Place in Colombo on September 19th, where players were presented with cash rewards and certificates, issued for the very first time by the conductors of the competition, Badminton Asia.
The Hon. Minister of Sports, Mr. Sunil Kumara Gamage, under the invitation of SLB President Mr. Roshan Gunawardena, presented cash rewards to the 12 young badminton players, who all won gold medals at the regional event held from August 18th to 22nd among South Asian nations.
Sri Lanka’s medal tally included 17 gold medals, out of an impressive 15 finals appearances, six silver medals, following five all-Sri Lankan finals, and four bronze medals.
Interestingly, all 12 shuttlers representing Sri Lanka, six each of boys and girls, secured gold medals, tallying 17 in both Team and Individual Events.
On the first day of the tournament, Sri Lankan shuttlers delivered a commanding performance in Team Events, winning all three age categories – Under-15, Under-17, and Under-23 – to emerge as undisputed champions of the tournament, while claiming 14 out of 15 gold medals on offer in Individual Events.
Organisers Badminton Asia presented a handsome grant to SLB, in addition to the prize money they secured from the five-day regional competition, following a cordial and successful discussion between SLB President, Mr. Roshan Gunawardena and BA officials, while the tournament was in progress.
The grant was divided and distributed in accordance to the number of medals and wins each Sri Lankan shuttler achieved and recorded.
Among the top achievers for Sri Lanka were Olympian Viren Nettasinghe, Ranithma Liyanage, Nethmi Ratnayake and Nithini Guruge, who bagged three gold medals apiece.
The victorious Sri Lankan contingent included a total of 15 representatives, with three officials in addition to the 12 athletes.
The Men’s squad also included Thamindu Randula Perera, Ranithu Premaratne, Senuth Sethmina, Keneth Aruggoda and Dumindu Abeywickrama.
The six women shuttlers were Rashmi Mudalige, Ranithma Liyanage, Limandi Padma Bandara, Nithini Sasandi Guruge, Vishwani Wanniarachchi and Nethmi Amaya Ratnayake.
SLB President, Mr. Gunawardena profoundly acknowledged the corporation and assistance granted by the Ministry of Sports for entirely funding the travel and other expenses of the Sri Lankan team at the Bhutan tournament.
The cash rewards and certificates issued by Badminton Asia were presented to the 12 shuttlers by the Hon. Sports Minister, Mr. Gamage and SLB President, Mr. Gunawardena.
SLB officials Rohan de Silva (Immediate Past President), Ajith Wijesinghe (General Secretary), Buddhika de Silva (Vice President), members Executive Committee as well as the Selection Committee, team officials of the Bhutan tour Mr. Hasith Chanaka (Head Coach), Ms. Amanda Weerasinghe (Manager), Ms. Hasinika Jayawardene (Lady Chaperon) and Ministry of Sports officials were also present at the event.