Sport Ministry felicitates Sudirman Cup Group Champions Sri Lankan shuttlers

Standing from left: Niluka Karunarathna, Nalaka Weerakkody, Mangala Gamage, Dr .Upendra, Rohan de Silva, Chulananda Perera, Parakrama Basnayake, Palitha Hettiarachchi, Roshan Fernando and Wijayalaxmi Liyanage, Seated from left: Kavidi Sirimannage, Sachin Dias, Buwaneka Gunathilake, Tony Wayudi (Coach), Dinuka Karunaratna, Dilmi Dias and Thilini Hendahewa

Group champions of the recently concluded Sudirman Cup Badminton Tournament in China, Sri Lankan badminton team players pose for a photograph with the Ministry of Telecommunication, Foreign Employment and Sports Secretary W.A. Chulananda Perera, Sri Lanka Badminton President Rohan de Silva, National coach Tony Wahyudi and other officials following a felicitation ceremony held in Colombo. 

The players also were rewarded with cash awards during the event. Sri Lankan shuttlers emerged group champions when they beat Ireland 3-2 in the classification round of the Sudirman Cup which was held at Guangxi Sports Centre in Nanning, China in May. 

Niluka Karunaratne was also felicitated at this event on his victory for winning a Gold Medal at Benin International 2019 which was held in Benin from 27 to 30 June. Niluka is now ranked 129 in the world ranking. He is doing his best to qualify and represent Sri Lanka once again at badminton in the 2020 Olympic game.