Sri Lanka Badminton, preparing for a long rally
Rohan de Silva
News reports of several events of in Sri Lanka Badminton is clearly indicative that the sport is finally finding its feet and taking shape for a long rally in the future. The recent elections that kept its President Rohan de Silva at the helm, together with a tried and tested team is noteworthy. Into the saddle of Secretary comes a very experienced shuttle administrator in Ajith Wijayasinghe, while it is good to see that Chandrika de Silva slips into the ExCo and brings a wealth of knowledge of the sport, joining the evergreen Lakshmi Punchihewa, underlining the gender balance that a sport like badminton grossly requires. The missing link is perhaps Palitha Hettiarchchi who missed out on a VP slot that appears to have been subject to a few line calls not in his favour. Palitha’s role as head of the national pool development was just bearing fruit and thus his exclusion is a drop-shot too many.
In the initial term from 2019 to 2022, Rohan focused on consolidating and refurbishing the entire organisation that was mired in an Interim Administration. A full-time administrative team was introduced and major structural improvements made at the SLB HQ, including the small stadium that was relayed and player facilities upgraded to offer basic standards. Player participation in international competition was stepped up and international rankings of the top players stepped up considerably. All this attracted a huge cost outlay which was undertaken by McLarens companies under Rohan’s personal direction. In 2020, LiNing emerged as a main sponsor of Badminton Equipment and this twin sponsorship has paved the way for an accelerated development in a short space of time. No small wonder therefore, that Rohan de Silva was persuaded to continue and it was only proper that the Ministry of Sports readily endorsed the nominations that were submitted for another four year term.
SLB President Rohan has almost singlehandedly taken badminton by its boot straps and lifted it to new heights. Apart from his legendary generosity in terms of funding, his personal involvement and presence at most events is remarkable and exemplary; a great encouragement to badminton lovers. Persons such as Rohan de Silva are a blessing that every sport badly needs. Following his election, Rohan made a virtual policy statement reminding his team that the SLB main focus shall be Junior Badminton where several young stars are knocking on the door most admirably. Viren Nettasinghe, Dumindu Abywickrama, Ranithma Liyanage and a host of other young players have signaled their arrival on the big stage. Veteran Niluka Karunaratne, though he continues to appear in international competitions, is a spent force and the high profile doubles combination of Sachin Dias and Buwaneka Gunetileke is all but over. ‘Buwa’, as he is fondly known, is still a prime prospect and should feature prominently, though the young Turks are bound to challenge him all the way to the wire. In the ladies section, Ranithma has secured top billing where the broad experience over the last two years has taken this diminutive 16-year-old to a top billing in the sport.
Contrary to naysayers whose criticism is borne by regular sets of jealousy, SLB must not lose time blooding these youngsters at the international level. They need foreign exposure and top level competition and thus a sojourn of overseas postings at any of the top Asian arenas will prove most rewarding. Also, high priority on the cards must be the advent of a reputed international coach as Sri Lanka is most wanting in this department. International stalwarts in badminton, Ajith Wijayasinghe and Rohana de Silva can play an important role in guiding these young hopefuls as well as in identifying the best coaching resources available in the world of badminton. The Under-13 talent search led by the dynamic Regional Development team has covered most of the island already, something many sports cannot boast. That it will pay dividends anyone can see, with fresh talent that is emerging daily. Technical development is key at the next stage of development and that is where the emphasis is being placed. The NOC can step in here and promote IOC scholarships that would enable the exposure that these athletes sorely need. The MoS should also contribute by obtaining the services of an international coach on a government-to-government arrangement.
SLB and its President has been criticised by disgruntled detractors for promoting Masters events at tournaments. However, the Ceylon Masters entity is today, a fully-fledged seniors group that has been launched as a great support and encouragement. It will no doubt run its own programme, but more importantly, it will help champion the cause of Badminton and make the sport a commercially independent organisation. International sports take this route for without strong sponsor and media support, progress is limited. The Air Badminton programme that is running parallel is taking the sport outdoors to attract and encourage all to join in and offer a fitness as well as competitive regime not restricted by courts alone. SLB intends to bring top international competition to the island before long. With LiNing its principal sponsor and the many splendored brand support of the McLarens Group, so well aligned to the ambitions of SLB, the overall plan is a done deal which will no doubt make the long rally, a reality in the near future.