COLOMBO: (ePRESS) – Sri Lanka Badminton’s monthly provincial tournaments have been a major success, thanks to the SLB Competitions Committee. Despite this, many badminton fans who play regularly lack chances to compete. To fill this gap, the 1st Inter-Club Badminton Championships will be held at the MBA courts in Colombo from August 29 to September 1. This new tournament will include categories for juniors (under 15), mainstream players (over 15), and seniors (over 40 and 60), providing opportunities for players of all ages.
The event is designed to develop the club structure and academies, encouraging broader participation in the sport. Top-ranked players are intentionally excluded to give everyday players a chance to shine. SLB President Rohan De Silva and CDBA President Gamini Jayasuriya are expected to lead club teams, bringing together boys, girls, men, women, and veterans.
The tournament, supported by the McLarens Group and other sponsors, will be overseen by veteran administrator Ruwan Fernando, with support from badminton experts Adrian De Lima, Lakshmi Punchihewa, and Chinthaka Fernando.
In recent years, badminton has seen impressive growth across Sri Lanka, thanks to the efforts of Sri Lanka Badminton (SLB) President Rohan De Silva. Under his leadership, the sport has flourished through active coaching, technical programs, regional development, and competitions. Notably, the Ceylon Masters group, affiliated with SLB, successfully hosted the Asian Masters meet, attracting participants from many countries. Additionally, young Viren Nettasinghe proudly represented Sri Lanka at the recent Paris Olympics, displaying the country’s talent in indoor sports.
A significant development is the SLB’s transition from a provincial to a district structure. The Colombo District Badminton Association (CDBA) was established in December 2023, led by veteran sports administrator Gamini Jayasuriya. This new structure aims to enhance badminton’s reach in Colombo and beyond.
