David Pieris makes history at MBA Novices Championship 2024

The winning players (from left): Malshi Fernando, Chethaka Kumarasiri, Chathuranga Meegahawatte, Lakhini Shashibhani

The David Pieris Group made history by becoming champions in all five events in the Open category at the 40th MBA Novices Badminton Championship 2024.

The tournament included Men’s Singles, where Chethaka Kumarasiri triumphed over 128 players. In Men’s Doubles, Chathuranga Meegahawatte and Chethaka Kumarasiri emerged victorious. Lakhini Shashibhani secured first place in Women’s Singles, while in Women’s Doubles, Lakhini Shashibhani and Malshi Fernando claimed the top spot. 

In the Mixed Doubles event, Chathuranga Meegahawatte and Lakhini Shashibhani won the championship, making the David Pieris Group the overall winner of the tournament in the Open category. 

A highlight of the event was Lakhini Shashibhani receiving the ‘Triple Crown’ for winning three events in her respective categories.

This year’s novices’ tournament featured 40 participating companies with over 300 players competing for glory on behalf of their organisations. This achievement marks the first time in history that a single conglomerate has secured all five championships in the Open category.

This landmark victory follows a series of successes for the David Pieris Group badminton team. In the 39th MBA Inter-Firm Team Championship 2023, the team won the Men’s ‘D’ Division, the Mixed ‘D’ Division, were runners-up in the Women’s ‘D’ Division, and secured the second runner-up position in the Veteran ‘C’ Division. Additionally, they were champions in the Bowl Category at the 11th MBA Inter-Firm Doubles Team Championship 2023.

Furthermore, the team claimed victory in the ‘Smashes Corporate Team Championship’ organised by the University of Sri Jayewardenepura in May and the ‘Corporate Team Championship’ by the University of Moratuwa in April. The David Pieris Group has consistently supported the development of sports among schools and the mercantile sector. The Group also encourages its employees to participate in sports and lead healthier, active lives. 

Presently, David Pieris Group teams actively participate in various sports tournaments related to mercantile cricket, athletics, volleyball, hockey, basketball, netball, swimming, and badminton.