Niluka badminton champ for past decade

Niluka badminton champ for past decade

By Chris Dhambarage
The dream of every badminton player is to win the national crown and to repeat that feat for ten successive years is a rare and unique achievement indeed.
This is what Niluka Karunaratne performed last week where he retained the men’s singles title for the tenth successive year by overcoming his younger brother Dinuka Karunaratne in straight sets in the final.

“I played against my other younger brother four years ago, but this is the first time I met my second younger brother in a final. I have won the triple crown for two years, doubles for four years and the singles event for ten years,” said Niluka soon after his success.
However the 26-year-old shuttler believes that winning the national men’s singles title for the first time as a schoolboy was one of the most memorable achievements in his career.
“I won my first national singles title in 2001 when I was 16 years old. I beat Manjula Fernando in the finals. Winning for the first time is the most memorable one for me. I was the youngest to win the men’s national championship in Sri Lankan badminton.”

Niluka attributed his success to sheer hard work, commitment and discipline where he spends a lot of time preparing ahead of a major ranking tournament.
“It was always a tough task to maintain my form and consistency throughout. I always felt that there are so many players following behind to beat me and win the nationals.
“I really worked hard to maintain that standard and keep the momentum going for the past ten years. I believe that winning the men’s national title is the most important thing in my life.
“I wanted to defend the national title every time I started a fresh tournament. So I have been working hard for this tournament more than any other event in the Sri Lanka badminton calendar.
“I prepare for the nationals at least two to three months prior to the tournament. I start my training very early and that has helped me to overcome the pressure from the other players.

“I have been playing against the same players now for more than three to four years and I know their style of play well, also their strengths and weaknesses on the court.”
Niluka further stated that he is proud of his achievements as a badminton player and will continue to play hard in an attempt to improve on his world rankings.
“I am the only player in the history of Sri Lankan badminton to be unbeaten for ten years in any men’s singles open tournament. I have sacrificed many things for the love of the game and will continue to strive for success in the coming years.

“I have been representing Sri Lanka in badminton from the age of 15. Since then I have played in several major events including the Asian Games, Asian Championships, Commonwealth Games, World Championships and World team championships.”
Niluka also stated that coming into the final 16 in the Asian Championships and reaching the pre-quarterfinals of the Commonwealth Games were some of the major highlights in his career.
“I have played against some of the best in the World and came into the pre quarterfinals in the Asian Championships in 2003 held in Indonesia when I was 19 years old.
“That was a very big achievement in my life and once again I came into the quarterfinals of the Commonwealth Games tournament held in Melbourne, Australia in 2006.

“This is the highest achievement ever by a Sri Lankan badminton player in a Commonwealth Games tournament. Then I came into the pre-quarterfinals of the 2010 Commonwealth Games held in New Delhi, India.
“I was the runner-up in the Australian open tournament in 2005, Wales open final in 2003 and Iran open championship series finals in 2007. My best world ranking was 71 in the men’s singles in the year 2006/07.”
However Niluka is still disappointed that he could not make it to the last Olympic Games due to an illness and is determined to make his mark in the rest of the tournaments lined up for this year.

“Last year I was ranked 81 and came close to playing in the Olympic Games. However I was down with fever and missed out a couple of tournaments and because of that I could not make it.
“Next month I will be going for the Puerto Rico International Challenge, then to Miami, from there to England for three other international tournaments and thereafter to Italy for another international open event,” concluded Niluka Karunaratne.

(www.nation.lk)

Shuttle queen Achini on the throne

Visaka College schoolgirl Achini Ratnasiri underscored the fact that starting early in sport guarantees huge success when she bagged her third national women’s singles open title at the 59th Badminton Nationals which were worked off at Royal Sports Complex recently.

Achini is a gem this country possesses and the badminton fraternity watches with interest what plans the authorities have for this lass who has already put Sri Lanka on the World Map of badminton. Her father, KM Ratnasiri, told Sportstar that her daughter has the potential to win many more medals at international level, but as parents, he and his wife couldn’t support her financially when it comes to funding Achini’s foreign tours, which are costly.

Badminton critics point out that contesting the occasional international tournament, each year, will not take Sri Lankan badminton players anywhere. Achini told this writer the other day that she wished to see her playing at the 2012 Olympic Games. But then, these thoughts will be restricted to one’s dreams if someone doesn’t do the ground work or have a solid programme for the players. Achini’s father Ratnasiri said that he was eager to see whether the Sri Lanka Badminton Federation or the Ministry of Sports will come up with a solid programme to cater to the needs of teenage sensations in sport like her daughter.

There is good news about Achini. Her father says she will continue in the sport despite winning the national singles crown for the third consecutive year. What could be looked upon as bad news is that Achini, according to her father, might not remain for long in badminton after realizing her goals. There is nothing wrong in a sportswomen calling it quits early if her career is dotted with achievements. Most female badminton players, according to renowned coach Chinthaka Fernando, who also coached Achini at the 2009 Asian Juniors, believes it is accepted in the badminton scene that players start young and finish young, which, then enables them, especially women, to concentrate on other things in life.

According to Ratnasiri, his daughter has shown a lot of interest in pursuing her studies which are aimed at sitting for the advanced level examination for which her subjects will be Logic, media and Economics, the latter which she hopes to change to Political Science in the future.

Though Achini has shown a lot of promise in sport from the start, her parents believe badminton in Sri Lanka doesn’t offer the players a promising future. Ratnasiri believes recognition as a national sports star can encourage players, but one needs money to live and badminton doesn’t offer that security to players. Hence Achini doesn’t spend the whole day playing badminton and shares her time between going to the gymnasium, attending school and dabbling in a little tuition.

Achini was greatly influenced by her elder sister to take to badminton. She started playing at the age of eight years and her coach from the inception Shimal Aponsu has been with her to date. Achini also acknowledges the contributions made to her career by the coach at school, Danesh Malliyawadu and her fitness trainer Mothilal Jayatilake. The turning point in her career came when she together with Upuli Samanthika won the girls’ doubles event at the Asian Junior Championships in 2009, which Sri Lanka hosted. Since then, she has performed well alongside her partner (Upuli) in international events, winning the gold medal at the Iran Fajir International and the bronze medal at the Youth Commonwealth Games in Isle of Man, both these achievements coming this year.

Her achievements in badminton have helped her obtain sponsorships from David Peiris Motor Company and at present from McLarence. Says Ratnasiri, "These kids are young and they value a little appreciation for their achievements. When they are not appreciated, these kids can get a little depressed".

He says he has not put any restrictions on Achini’s life and allows her daughter to have the freedom other girls of her age enjoy. "The only issue is that her tight schedule in badminton and school doesn’t provide her with time for other things," he says. However, Achini has not grumbled about the tight schedule she follows as a 17-year-old girl and her father says, "Achini makes all the sacrifices willingly".

Achini is the leading figure in Sri Lanka badminton and the authorities scheduling her final against Thilini Hendahewa as the last event at the badminton nationals suggests she has the potential to entertain a gathering. Badminton, which was once dominated by males, is now dominated by women. It would not be contested if she is termed the ‘Queen of badminton in Sri Lanka’.

(www.island.lk)

Niluka in line for a triple crown

Niluka in line for a triple crown

The Karunaratne brothers Dinuka and Niluka will meet in the final of the men's singles final event at the 59th Badminton Nationals Championship conducted at the Royal College Sports Complex Badminton courts, at Stanley Wijesundera Mawatha, Colombo today.

Defending champion for over a decade, Niluka Karunarante has entered the final of all three events and is in line for the triple crown. In the first men's semi - final Dinuka Karunaratne beat Lasitha Menaka 21-16, 21-9 while his brother Niluka Karunaratne got the better of Nuwan Hettiarachchi 21-6, 21-9 in the second semi final.

The finals have been advanced to 1.00 pm and the Minister of Sports Mahindananda Aluthgamage will be the chief guest.

[Results all semi finals ]

Men's singles semi finals: Dinuka Karunaratne beat Lasitha Menaka 21-16,21-9 Niluka Karunaratne beat Nuwan Hettiarachchi 21-6, 21-9.

Men's doubles semi finals: R.S.Dahanayake and Hasitha Chanaka beat Nuwan Hattiarachchi and Kasun 21-9,22-20 Niluka and Dinuka Karunaratne beat Uditha 21-10, 21-16.

Women's Singles: Achini Ratnasiri beat Kavidi Ishadika 21-16,21-15 Thilini Pramodhika beat Nadeesha Gayanthi 21-19, 21-8

Women's doubles semi finals: Achini Ratnasiri and Upuli Samanthika beat Lekha Shehani and Thilini Jayasinghe 21-14, 221-13.

Chadrika de Silva and Susmika beat punisha and Manishi 12-21,21-16.

Mixed doubles: Nuwan Hettiarachchi and Achini Ratnasiri beat Hasitha and Thilini Jayasinghe 21-18,21-8. Niluka Karunaratne and Kavidi beat Chandrika de Silva and Lasitha Menaka 21-15,21-14.

(www.sundayobserver.lk)

Achini, Upuli win bronze medal

Achini Ratnasiri and Upuli Samanthika won the bronze medal in the women's badminton doubles at at the Youth Commonwealth Games which is currently in progress in Isle of Man, United Kingdom. The Sri Lankan pair beat Australia in the consolation finals by 2-1. The scores were recorded as 12/21, 21/19 and 16/21
(www.dailymirror.lk)

Triple for Niluka, doubles for Achini and Priyantha

Triple for Niluka, doubles for Achini and Priyantha

SSC Open Ranking Badminton

While Niluka Karunaratne bagged a triple, Achini Ratnasiri and Priyantha Wijesekera bagged doubles at the SSC Open Ranking Badminton Championships that was concluded at the SSC Indoor Badminton Complex on Sunday.

In the final of the men's singles, Niluka Karunaratne the top seed defeated his brother and bottom seed Dinuka Karunaratne in a hard fought two setter 21/18, 21/17, to win the men's Singles. He also with Dinuka beat Hasitha Chanaka and R.S. Dahanayake again in a two setter 21/10, 21/17 and the mixed doubles partnered by Kavida Ishadika to defeat the Lasitha Menaka and Chandrika De Silva 21/8, 21/14.

In the women's events Achini Ratnasiri the top seed claimed her double defeating number five seed Hendahewa in a three setter and the women's doubles with Upuli Samanthika beating the combination of Oshadie Kuruppu and Kavindi Ishadika 21/19, 21/18.

Results
Under 11 boy's singles: Blanchard Fernando beat Janishka Perera 21/10, 21/10.

Under 11 girl's singles: Dilimi Dias beat Irushi Perera 21/10, 21/14.

Under 13 boys singles: Ranthuska Sasindu beat Viran Anusnaga 21/12, 21/11.

Under 13 girls singles: Lasanga Lahiruni beat Geethme Abeyratne 21/17, 21/19.

Under 15 boy's singles:Dhakshita Gunatilake beat Chanal Perera 21/13, 21/11.

Under 15 girls singles: Ilmi Warangana beat Nilmitharu Hettiarachchi 21/17, 21/17.

Under 19 boy's singles: Pamoda Hettiarachchi beat Damith Yatawara 21/12, 21/19.

Under 19 girls singles: Thilini Pramodika beat Bashini De Silva 21/8, 21/12.

Under 13 boy's doubles: R. Sasindu and T. Rahubadda beat B. Fernando and J. Perera 21/16, 8/21, 24/22.

Under 13 girls doubles: Nethma Atapattu and Lasnaga Lahiruni beat Hasini Ambalangodage and Geethmi Abeyratne 21/16, 22/20.

Under 15 boys doubles: D. Gunatilake and P. Amaranayake beat D. Alahakoon and C. Moragoda 21/13, 117/21, 21/12.

Under 15 girl's doubles: N. Hettiarachchi and Y. Dayaratne beat M.S. Buddika and M. Rodrigo 21/07, 21/10.

Under 19 boys doubles: P. Hettiarachchi and L. Ambegoda beat L. Madusha and S. Sirantha 19/21, 21/18, 21/17.

Under 19 girls doubles: O. Kuruppu and K. Ishadika beat S. Janithanjali and Bashini De Silva 21/13, 21/09.

Mixed doubles: Niluka Karunaratne and Kavidi Ishadika beat Lasitha Menaka and Chandrika De Silva 21/08, 21/14.

Women's doubles: Achini Ratnasiri and Upuli Samanthika beat Oshadie Kuruppu and Kavindi Ishadika 21/19, 21/18.

Men's doubles: Niluka Karunaratne and Dinuka Karunaratne beat Hasitha Chanaka and R.S. Dahanayake 21/10, 21/17.

Women's singles: Achini Ratnasiri beat Thilini Hendahewa 12/21, 21/15, 21/09.

Men's singles: Niluka Karunaratne beat Dinuka Karuaratne 21/18, 21/17.

Master's doubles: Priyantha Wijesekera and T. Nanayakkara beat E.M. Chandratilake and R. Bongso 21/13, 21/15.

Master's singles: Priyantha Wijesekera beat K.S. Thawaraja 21/12, 21/10.

Women's veterans doubles: Enoka Jayalath and Thushanri Brahmmanage beat Premila Mendis and Renuka Welivitagoda 21/1, 21/18.

Women's veterans singles: Renuka Welivitagoda beat Roshani Udugama 21/10, 21/13.

Men's veterans doubles: U. Jayawardena and C. Homer beat D. Somanayake and V. Kaluarachchi 21/11, 21/14.

Men's veterans singles: Roshan Nettasinghe beat Dharshana Senaratne 21/19, 21/18.

(www.dailymirror.lk)

Over one thousand for SSC Badminton

Over one thousand shuttlers are expected to participate when the Sinhalese Sports Club hosts their Annual Open Badminton Championships which is a ranking tournament for the 4th consecutive year at their badminton complex from today, Thursday, September 4 to 5.

Last year the championship attracted a record number of 925 entries which compelled the organizers to extend the tournament by a further week. This year too, players from all over the country including most of the top ranking national players are expected to participate. Altogether 25 events are scheduled to be conducted.

Men's Open singles and doubles, women's singles and doubles, open mixed doubles, singles and doubles for boys and girls of the under 19, 15 and 13 age groups, singles for under 11 boys and girls, women's over 35 singles and doubles, men's singles and doubles for 40 and 50 years.

Briefing the media at the press conference held at the SSC, the president,W.T. Ellawela said the prize money on offer this year will be in excess of Rs. 400,000/- and he thanked the sponsors Hatton National Bank, the main sponsors for the third successive year, Etisalat, Emerald and Keells Food Products.

In addition to the prize money, trophies and certificates too will be awarded to the winners, runner-ups, semi finalists, and quarter finalist to encourage more participation.

(www.dailymirror.lk)

Chandrika wins Gold in Canada

Chandrika wins Gold in Canada

Chandrika de Silva clinched the Gold medal and the Women’s Senior Champion title in the 5th World Senior Badminton Championships at the Richmond Olympic Oval, Canada recently. The biennial event was represented by 42 countries this year which consist of singles, doubles events for 35-65 years age category men and women along with the mixed double event.

Chandrika defeated world number one Canadian Chamani Reed in the singles final 2-0, (21/16, 21/16).

She beat world number two Panila Stong (Denmark) in the quarter final match, 2-0 while beating Canadian Suneetha Karr, 3-2 in the semi final. Chandrika is an old girl of Swarnapali Balika Vidyalaya, Anuradhapura and has won the Sri Lanka Open women’s Championship on 11 occasions. She has won several medals in international events including the mixed double gold medal in the Syrian tournament.

(www.dailynews.lk)

Qualifying round matches for SSC Open

Preparations for the upcoming SSC Open have gathered momentum and the organisers of the tournament state that they have to conduct a qualifying round, due to excessive entries.

A spokesman for the organising committee told ‘The Island’ that they would conduct qualifying round matches for boys and girls contesting the Under-11, 13 and 15 events. These qualifying round matches will be held at the Sri Lanka Badminton Federation courts on August 30 and 31.

The SSC Open will be held from September 1 to 5 in Colombo. The tournament is organised by the Sinhalese Sports Club and the Sri Lanka Badminton Federation. (RN)

(www.island.lk)

SLSBA to conduct W. Jinasena De Silva doubles

The Sri Lanka Schools Badminton Association with the North Western Province Badminton Association will conduct the 6th W. Jinasena De Silva Memorial All Island Inter Schools under 15, Doubles Team Championships from August 8 to 11.

The tournament sponsorship is facilitated by the Mercantile Badminton Association and the main sponsor of the tournament will once again be S.K.M. Lanka Holdings who will be sponsoring the event for the fifth successive year.

The preliminary matches will be played at the Municipal Council Indoor Stadium and Maliyadeva College, while the finals are scheduled to be shifted back to the Municipal Indoor Stadium commencing at 3.00 p.m.

This year the tournament has attracted 41 boys and 37 girls’ schools.

Last year, Ananda College won the boys championship, while Anula Vidyalaya were the girls champions.

(www.dailymirror.lk)

Nationalised Services Badminton next week

The Annual Nationalised Services Badminton Championships for 2011 will be played from Monday, May 23 to 25 at the SSC courts. Maitland Place, Colombo 7.

The championships will be for both men and women and the following institutions will be represented. Sri Lanka Transport Board, Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, People’s Bank, Bank of Ceylon, Employees Trust Fund, Central Bank, Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation, National Savings Bank and ITN.

(www.dailymirror.lk)

Achini and Upuli win gold for Sri Lanka Iran Fajal International Badminton Competition

Achini Ratnasiri and Upuli Samanthika with the deputy President of the Sri Lanka Badminton Association, Parakkrama Basnayake pose for a photograph on their arrival. Pic. by Prasad Kumaranasinghe

by Manjula D. Phillips

Young shuttles Achini Ratnasiri and Upuli Samanthika were able to crown Sri Lanka with a gold medal at an international badminton competition. They won gold for the women’s double event at the Iran Fajal International Badminton competition, worked off from February 16 to 19 at Tehran, Iran.

Thirty one countries participated in this Championship, organized and conducted by Iran Badminton Association.

Achini and Upuli, the national champions of the women’s double event here beat two Canadian shuttles (Chameni Redd and Nicole Gather) in the grand final of the event. Incidentally, the Sri Lanka duo who are just 17 years of age beat a pair ranked 17th in the world rankings.

Achini Ratnasiri is also the current national women’s Champion. She won the title last month at the 58th Badminton Nationals.

"I am quite happy about our performances at the competition. It’s especial because we are still school girls," said Achini in a telephone interview.

"Competitors from 12 countries took part in the event and it was a great pleasure to win the title for the country by beating all of them. It was a nice experience to beat them in the finals by 2-0," she said.

Incidentally, the Sri Lanka shuttlers had struggled to find sponsors to take part in this international event. In response to a query about hardships experienced Achini said that a part of her expenses were born by a sponsor, while her partner had to find her own expenses.

"Yes. We found it difficult to find sponsors. My sponsor paid half of my air ticket while I had to find the other half and money for my other expenses. My partner had to find all the expenses on her own."

Achini said that World Badminton Championship is her next international event and she is currently focusing on it. The World Badminton Championship will be held in August in England.

Meanwhile, she also thanked her coach Srimal Aponso, her school Principal and her parents for helping her to reach international level in badminton.

(www.island.lk)

Achini, Upuli win gold in Iran

Achini, Upuli win gold in Iran

Achini Ratnasiri and Upuli Samanthika won the gold medal in the Iran Sajal Badminton Championships held in Teheran today.
(www.dailymirror.lk)