Achini Shuttling Success
For Achini Rathnasiri, badminton is in her veins and the tremendous aptitude she has showcased so far speaks volumes of her passion, commitment and dedication to the game.
? Your school level achievements?
I have won the under 13, under 15, under 17 and under 19 titles at all-island school level and most of the titles were won twice. I won all the junior national titles in singles and doubles and the mixed doubles in the under 15, under 17 and under 19 age groups. I have won the Triple Crown four times in a row. My doubles partner is Upuli Samanthika.
? The topmost accolade you received at national level?
In 2009 I won the national championship in the senior division and retained it up to 2011 in the singles and doubles. I was the youngest to bag both trophies at the age of 16. I have bagged accolades in all open events in which I take part now. In
2007 I won in five divisions in the under 14 category at the Ariyadasa Silva memorial trophy competition while winning three in the open division. In the 2011 SSC badminton championship I won the singles and doubles.
? Your international triumphs?
I won the bronze in 2009 at the Asian Juniors under 16 while I and Upuli won the gold in the doubles. I think that was the first gold medal for badminton at Asian level. I won the bronze at the 2010 SAARC Games in Dhaka and the gold in both the singles and double last year in Bangladesh. I also won a gold at the 2009 Iran open event. I also participated in the world badminton championship and Asian games. In addition I have won a large number of gold and bronze medals for my achievements in a large number of overseas tournaments.
? Haven’t you experienced hurdles so far?
Why not, for me every game is a challenge or hurdle that has to be conquered. I also faced crisis situations in my career but my father was the biggest strength that gave me the power to show my prowess through the game. ? How did you miss the Olympic slot?
I had to gain some points before qualifying for the Olympics. But due to some reason I was deprived of some matches that could have gained me points, thus plunging me down the points table. But I played with world class players at the Peru International challenge trophy where I beat the world’s 66th ranked Mexico player in three rounds. I am only sad that I have to live with my Olympics dream for four more years.