WPBA spearheads revival of badminton competition calendar

Buwaneka and Sachin

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted a carefully-crafted 2021 competition schedule with most 

Provincial Associations unable to conduct their annual tournaments, the last being the ‘Summer Season’ program in Nuwara-Eliya last April. 

The Western Province Badminton Association (WPBA) has been undeterred and responded to Sri Lanka Badminton’s (SLB) call to organise a ranking tournament, as a precursor to the Nationals in December this year.

Thus, from the 10 – 14 November, WPBA will unfurl their Open Ranking Championships 2021 at the MBA (Mercantile) and OSC (Otters) courts with access restricted to players and one guest only, respecting health protocols and making appropriate arrangements to conduct the tournament safely. 

WPBA is fortunate to have telecom supremo SLTMobitel come forward to sponsor this event and provide the much-needed support to give a boost to this event, which has drawn over 300 entries from all over the island. All Sri Lanka’s elite players are expected to participate and focus on their ranking having the Nationals following in December in mind. 

Top-ranked men’s star players, Buwaneka Gunetileke, Sachin Dias, Ranthushka Karunatilake, Rasindu Hendahewa, Viren Nettasighe and Dumindu Abeywickrama are back in the island after extensive tours. From the women, elite players Kavidi Sirimanne, Dilmi Dias, Achini Fernando, Hasini Ambalangoda, Danithma Jayatileke and Ranithma Liyanage will be the players to watch. Age Group matches are also bound to see some exciting contests. Only the Karunaratne brothers are away on tour and BWF top-rank Thilini Hendahewa is still recuperating from illness.

So, one can expect heavy competition, which will be live streamed via the SLB website and its Facebook page. SLTMobitel Chairman Rohan Fernando will be Chief Guest at the finals and awards ceremony on Sunday.