Monday Sep 23, 2024
Monday Sep 23, 2024
Tuesday, 4 November 2014 00:03 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Fulfilling a long-felt need for the betterment of the sport in Sri Lanka, Niluka will inaugurate the Niluka Karunaratne Badminton Academy, which will be based at the Mercantile Badminton Trust Courts at CR&FC, Colombo7, commencing from November 2014.
Niluka will be assisted by three more powerhouses in Sri Lanka badminton at the academy, his two brothers Dinuka and Diluka with their father Louis Karunaratne who is another badminton player of repute.
Niluka who won a triple crown at the 62nd Badminton Nationals, organised by the Sri Lanka Badminton Association and worked off at the Jayatilleke Sports Complex in Nawalapitiya, claimed his 13th national singles crown few days ago.
Niluka won his first senior national championship crown at the age of 16 and has never been beaten ever since. The youngsters at the Niluka Karunaratne Academy will be in for a treat when they learn the game from A to Z from a champion of his calibre and he is keen to share his knowledge with the young generation.
“The academy will be open to anyone who is willing to master the sport. The young generation will be highly benefited from this academy because the perfect training at the beginning of their careers will ultimately help budding shuttlers to become masters on the court over time,” he added.
“I am proud to say that I have partnered with many fellow shuttlers in the mixed doubles and doubles events during my career and have helped them in claiming national championships,” he said.
Niluka started a whole new journey in his career when he was made the Brand Ambassador to the McLarens Group of Companies in year 2012. He has brought tons of medals for the company, playing in mercantile sector tournament and has always received the full support of its sports loving Chairman/Managing Director Rohan de Silva.
“McLarens Holdings has always backed me up ever since I became their Brand Ambassador. I should specially thank Mr. Rohan de Silva and they are always with me in my endeavours,” said Niluka who hopes to bring honour to the motherland by showing his colours at the Rio Olympics in 2016.
Niluka, who is currently participating in the Bundesliga Badminton League in Germany, said that he hopes that his knowledge will benefit everyone who loves the game of badminton.
