by Dhammika Ratnaweera

Niluka Karunaratne and Chandrika de Silva are expected to retain the men's and women’s open champions in the 51st National Badminton Championship which will commence from today at Royal College Sports Complex. The finals will be held on November 9th at same venue and for the first time live telecast on Rupavahini ‘Eye’ channel on the final day.

Over 150 shuttlers are expected to take part in this tournament which is sponsored by the Commercial Bank once again. Ravi Dias the Deputy General Manager of the Commercial Bank said we are satisfied to see develop of the game and especially young shuttlers like Niluka played well in the recently concluded Asian Championship and that give boost to other young shuttlers. All leading shuttlers are hope to attract this National and this tournament will also act as a basis of selection for the National pool in preparation for the forthcoming Thomas/Uber Cup Championships and the SAF Championships held in next February/March.

D. D. Ranasinghe, U. D. B. R Kumara, Diluka Karunaratne, N. H. John, are the other leading men shuttlers while Thilini Jayasinghe and Amali Amarasinghe are the strong contingent for the open women’s title.

Apart from the open men’s and women’s singles and doubles events, mixed doubles Masters singles and doubles, veterans’ singles and doubles will conduct this tournament. Reza Jumar the President of the Sri Lanka Badminton Association said that we are mainly focus in our youngsters and also have development programmes to promote the game. This National Championship is the last domestic tournament in the calendar. Sports Minister Johnstan Fernando will be the Chief Guest on final day.