Against all odds Buwaneka and Sachin fell foreign foes
View(s):Buwaneka Gunatilake and Sachin Dias are two very talented emerging badminton players. Despite coming from separate schools, on the badminton court both players work in perfect unison whenever they represent the country in doubles events.
Most recently, Buwaneka, an Advanced Level student from Richmond College, Galle and Sachin, who is from St. Sebastian’s College, Moratuwa, defeated Anthony Joe and Pit Seng Low of Australia (23-21, 21-16) to win the Under 19 men’s doubles gold medal at the Australian Junior International Badminton Championship finals, held in Ballarat, Australia this year.
Buwaneka Gunatilake and Sachin Dias
The Australian Juniorsis the most important international junior badminton tournament in Australia.
“It was the most amazing experience. Our training is limited to school level therefore international tournaments are very challenging. Unfortunately, there are a number of international events where we could not claim victory. A lack of training facilities to prepare for international level events is one of the major reasons,” Buwaneka said.`
He believes that school-level badminton players in the country should get more support from the State as parents have to spend close to Rs.100, 000 per tournament apart from monthly expenses for practices.
He said talented players have given up due to the increasing cost that needs to be handled by players’ parents.
Similar thoughts were expressed by his coach Pavitra Abeysirigunewardena and the head of the Sri Lanka Badminton Association Suraj Dandeniya.
Buwaneka Gunatilake and Sachin Dias being given some tips by the coach
Education Times learns that badminton is among the leading school sports with about 6000 students training for junior nationals.
According to a study conducted by Moratuwa University, it has been revealed that badminton is the fourth most popular school sport, along with rugby.
Leading coach Pavitra Abeysirigunewardena, who is the present coach of Richmond College, said Buwaneka started playing in the Under 11 category and his performance elevated to an international level when he was still playing Under 13 badminton.
“We give the best training in school. But students with such talent need individual attention. It’s difficult to train along with another 40 players. Both of them can represent Sri Lanka more in future. But there is a need for more specific training,” he said.
The coach said that Buwaneka’s rank is 206 and that by next year the target is to reach 50.
He said that there are 35 exceptional school players who can excel at the international level
“Sri Lanka does not have proper international training for badminton. As we do not have proper badminton courts, when the students go for international events they find it hard and experience muscle strain,” Mr. Abeysirigunewardena.
According to the qualified coach, there are talented players coming from various parts of the country but the costs of playing have forced them abandon the sport.
According to him, Badminton Asia Federation officials are willing to support, but Sri Lankan authorities have not sought help to develop this game.
“In order to be on par with SAARC countries, we have to get more support and provide proper training facilities to students,” he added.
Suraj Dandeniya, who is the President of Sri Lanka Badminton Association, said that Sri Lanka is about 20 years behind countries like Malaysia, China and Indonesia.
He said discussions will be held with the Sports Minister on measures to improve badminton in the country and that assurances have been given from the Ministry to construct several indoor stadiums in the country along with facilities to practice badminton.
“There are students from places like Nuwara Eliya, Bandarawela, Jaffna and even Hambantota who are interested and talented. The association will coordinate and find financial assistance for these students,” Mr.Dandeniya said.
-Nadia Fazlulhaq
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