Despite earning a sudden selection to the Sri Lankan contingent that will travel to London for the summer Olympics, shuttler Thilini Jayasinghe says that she is happy to compete at such a prestigious event and is determined to do her best for the country.
“It is rare for anybody to compete in two Olympics so I am really proud of this. This will not be something new for me and I think last time’s experience will help me a lot,” she said.

This will be Jayasinghe’s second Olympics, and she is confident her prior experience will serve her well as she takes on some of the world’s best badminton players.However, she remained circumspect over her chances of making any major inroads into the competition, explaining that the sudden call-up had made it virtually impossible for her to put in any extended practice time.

“Although I was first reserve, I had given up this hope, but last minute they said ok. I know some athletes who train for one, maybe one and a half years, so within about two weeks you cannot expect a lot. But even though I’m the last person to qualify I will do all I can to win for the country.”

Competing in her first tournament at the age of 13, Jayasinghe, a former national champion, holds the distinction of being Sri Lanka’s first badminton player to represent Sri Lanka at the Olympics when she competed in Beijing in 2008.
Pic by Amila Gamage.

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