Colombo district Badminton Association woos badminton lovers

Over the last few years, the development of badminton throughout the island has gone on apace under the current administration led by Sri Lanka Badminton President Rohan De Silva. 

Coaching, technical, regional development and competitions have all been very active components, with multiple programs conducted in pre-determined schedules each year. The Ceylon Masters group affiliated with Sri Lanka Badminton (SLB) has also organised robust tournaments, notably the recent Asian Masters meet, which was highly successful and attracted participants from many countries. To top it all, young Viren Nettasinghe represented Sri Lanka at the last Olympics in Paris, keeping our flag flying in the realm of indoor sports.    A major development envisaged by SLB is the transition from a provincial structure to a district structure, which is believed to significantly increase the badminton fraternity in the country. That great stride was taken, when the Colombo District Badminton Association (CDBA) was formed in December 2023. At the helm of CDBA is a veteran sports administrator Gamini Jayasuriya, representing the SSC, who has taken the leadership in its inaugural year to promote badminton in the capital of Colombo.

In such a dynamic milieu, it is the SLB competitions that take centre stage with back-to-back Provincial Tournaments each month. All these tournaments are held to a high standard, assisted and supervised by the SLB competitions committee. These represent the cream of Sri Lanka Badminton. But what about the many other badminton lovers who play the game day after day, but do not quite necessarily aspire to compete in tournaments? The first Inter-Club Badminton Championships is designed to address this need. It is also intended to develop the club structure and academies, which is where badminton flourishes and brings whole families together in the enjoyment of this popular sport.

Entries are now being called and the tournament will take place at the MBA courts in Malalasekera Mawatha, Colombo 7, from 29 to 31 August with the finale on 1 September. The events include Under-15 for the juniors, the Over 15 for mainstream players and Over 40 and 60 senior groups, for the veterans who form the backbone of any sport. It is strongly hoped that these seniors will become members of CDBA and help grow badminton into a powerhouse in Colombo. Top ranked players are deliberately excluded, to offer an opportunity for those who play every day on the badminton courts that dot the city, to come together and make this their own tournament. Not just the Champions, but for all those who can enjoy this sport.

SLB President De Silva as well as CDBA President Jayasuriya are tipped to lead Club teams, drawing boys and girls, men and women, young and old to the first Inter-Club Tournament organised by CDBA. As is seen often, the McLarens Group will support the event along with other sponsors who actively foster the sport. Veteran Administrator Ruwan Fernando is at the helm of the Tournament supported by seasoned badminton honchos, Adrian De Lima, Lakshmi Punchihewa and Chinthaka Fernando. Make your entry today.