Record entries for LiNing Nationals 2022
Following the draw held on 10 January, Sri Lanka Badminton (SLB) has updated the participation of its national contingent in this apex competition in the badminton calendar. The Badminton Nationals held over from 2022 due to recurring country issues will take centre stage from January 16 to 22 at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium, supplemented by some events at the SLB and Mercantile Badminton Association indoor courts. Title sponsor Li Ning has once again offered their patronage as the Equipment Provider to the SLB. What is staggering to note is the record number of entries received going well over the benchmark 1,500 reaching close to 1,700 in all. The junior section posted close to 1,300 while the open event drew 84 entries of the Men and Over-40 for the Women, demonstrating the absolute keenness from a new breed of young shuttlers.
Arrangements are also made to live stream matches on SLB and Sri Lanka Schools Badminton Association (SLSBA) websites and facebook channels. Furthermore, the SLSBA is also working with the Colombo District Schools network to bring school badminton enthusiasts by special buses to witness at first hand, this top flight sports competition and encourage them to take to the sport.
As the badminton fraternity knows only too well, the Nationals sets the tone and ranking of the national squads of the future and earmarks players who will do the honors at international level in the future. It is therefore the premier event in the badminton calendar and for that reason, conducted to international standards setting new benchmarks of organisation in the country.