Sri Lanka to host two international badminton events in 2024

Sri Lanka Badminton (SLB) has announced that the Badminton World Federation has awarded rights to Sri Lanka, to host two international badminton events in 2024. 

They are the Lining Sri Lanka International Challenge 2024 from 5 to 11 February and Lining Sri Lanka International Series 2024 from 12 to 18 February.

The timing of the two events is very significant as it coincides with the tourist season of the South coast and the two events are scheduled to be worked out at the Sports Complex in Dadella, Galle. 

Sri Lanka has not hosted an international open badminton event for the past nine years, as such this event will showcase the country’s development of infrastructure facilities presently available in the country.

In the technical aspects, Sri Lanka now boasts of internationally accredited/certified technical officials who also will get the opportunity of officiating on the international stage. 

The public too will have the opportunity of witnessing international badminton tournaments and enjoying same. 

SLB said, Sri Lanka has rich heritage of Galle in our communications and with the expected participation, foresee the possibilities of spin off the benefits to the tourism sector through this event. 

As the participants will stay for a period exceeding two-weeks, they are bound to embark on visiting places of historical and cultural interest, thereby creating an opportunity for tour operations and guides to enhance their businesses. 

The direct impact of this event would be the entry fees which is $ 80 for single and $ 100 for doubles. The cost of board and accommodation which will be revenue for the hotels is estimated at an average of $ 150 per head per day. The designated official hotel is Jetwing Light House. However, we have also given the contact details of Ocean Front Condos as well as other available accommodation within a one-kilometre radius of the Dadella complex. 

“We have no doubts that the two international events will be a boost for Sri Lanka Badminton and a great adventure for the local players as well as to promote Sports Tourism in Sri Lanka. These two events also serve as an opportunity for badminton players to obtain world ranking points which are needed to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics,” SLB added.

SLB has received entries from foreign participation of over 500 top world ranked players from the entire membership of the Badminton World Federation numbering over 20 countries.

These international badminton tournaments aims to bring together players from various countries providing a platform for healthy competition and fostering the growth of badminton talent in our country. These events will gain significant recognition and experience, attracting national players as well.

SLB believe it elevates the tournament’s scale and impact, making it a flagship event that showcases the prowess of our badminton players. 

SLB is also dedicated to the continuous training and development of our national pool players, investing in their skills and providing them with world-class training facilities to ensure that they reach their full potential in representing our country with distinction. In support of same, SLB is extending facilities to contribute to the improvement of training infrastructure, coaching staff, and other essential resources that are required to enhance the performance of our national pool.

The Ministry of Sports plays a pivotal role in supporting and promoting sports activities that contribute to the overall development of our athletes and the nation, especially these Badminton International Tournaments for which SLB is ever grateful. 

The valuable support of Ministry of Tourism and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotional Bureau extended to host successful tournaments is also greatly appreciated by SLB.

SLB is confident that the national players will reach new heights of excellence with all these facilities provided to them in preparation of the forthcoming competition.

SLB said it is ever grateful to its regular sponsors Li-Ning, Mobil, Mc Foil, 3M, Rovin for coming forward to support these tournaments.