SLB to send eight-member team to Asian Junior Championship

Under 19 Badminton team with officials and parents 

Sri Lanka Badminton (SLB) has named an eight-member squad to represent the country at the Asian Junior Badminton Championship which will be held at the Suzhou Olympic Sports Centre in Suzhou, China from 20-28 July.

The team comprises promising young talent of the calibre of Chamath Kavinda Dias and Dumindu Warnaka Abeywickrama who are currently among the top 20 national rankings, while Lochana Oshan De Silva and Chirath Santhush Illeperumachchi are also included in the squad.

Four girls also make up the team. Dilmi Prameshika Dias, one of the top players in the SLB rankings, will spearhead Sri Lanka’s hopes at the nine-day event in China, while talented youngsters, Panchali Janodya Adhikari, Yeheni Vonara Kuruppu and Jananuwani Amanda De Silva have also being given the opportunity compete at an international level.

The team will be managed by Ranjith Premasiri and is coached by Pavithra Gunawardana. Gayani Inoka Hinidumage will be the lady chaperon on tour.

A total of 228 players representing 17 countries will compete in the tournament which has been dominated by the Chinese, Malaysian and South Korean players in its 22-year history. The event has been divided into two stages, the Mixed Team Championships which will take place from 20-23 July, followed by the Individual Championships from 24-28 July.

The Championship is jointly organised by Badminton Asia, the sport’s continental governing body, and the Chinese Badminton Association.

The Sri Lanka contingent for the Asian Junior Badminton Championship 2019 is as follows:

Boys: Lochana Oshan De Silva, Dumindu Warnaka Abeywickrama, Chirath Santhush Illeperumachchi, Chamath Kavinda Dias. 

Girls: Panchali Janodya Adhikari, Yeheni Vonara Kuruppu, Dilmi Premeshika Dias, Jananuwani Amanda De Silva.  Tour Management: Ranjith Premasiri (Manager), Pavithra Gunawardana (Coach), Gayani Inoka Hinidumage (Lady Chaperon).