International Ceylon Masters Badminton C’ship at Sugathadasa Stadium from 26-28 November

From left: Clarence Homer - CMBA Secretary; Rohan de Silva - CMBA President; Ajith                   Wijesinghe - Tournament Director; Sanjeewa Wijeysekara - Tournament Referee and Trevor Reckerman - Deputy Tournament Director

There are 271 entries at the latest count, with 84 overseas shuttlers, set to participate in CMB 2018, the first ever seniors badminton tournament which will see competitors from India, China, Taiwan, Indonesia, Macau, Nepal, New Zealand, Malaysia, and Australia, along with a large contingent of 187 players from the host nation Sri Lanka, taking advantage of the opportunity to take part in an international event.

The co-founders of CMB 2018, international Masters veterans Rohan De Silva and Clarence Homer, along with a high-powered Organising Committee, have left no stone unturned in following international standards. Tournament Director Ajith Wijayasinghe, who is an international referee and experienced administrator, along with his team, will be firmly at the helm to ensure that the matches are conducted according to BWF standards.Mobil, 3M, Rovin Creative Services, Victor and Heladiv have teamed up to offer generous sponsorships to help make the event a glittering ceremony. The Sri Lanka Gem Corporation has come forward to offer all participants a precious gemstone as an event souvenir. Overseas participants will be entitled to free transport from the airport to hotels and to and from the hotels to the stadium and back on all days. All participants will also be provided with first aid at the venue and medical facilities at Nawaloka Hospital if required during the duration of the tournament.

BWF rules will be adapted to meet local requirements based on the number of participants and the draw. Participants, officials, the media and special invitees will be offered lounge facilities and extended hospitality throughout the tournament days. 

Players will have the benefit of training courts and fitness support staff at the venue. The finale will be followed by a sumptuous banquet on the final day.

Entrance will be free to spectators who wish to witness this grand event. Schoolchildren and young badminton enthusiasts shall be particularly welcome as CMBA intends to launch an international standard badminton academy in the near future, designed to create an elite contingent of budding badminton players.  

The Minister of Sports and Army Commander Lt. General Mahesh Senanayake along with other dignitaries are expected to grace the event.