Vidura shuttlers off to KL this month
After their constant success in badminton at school level, the Looi Badminton Academy in Kuala Lumpur has invited the promising young shuttlers of Vidura College Colombo on a tour to Malaysia. Nine youngsters have been selected to take part in the tour, which will take place from August 27 to September 1 in Kuala Lumpur.
Vidura shuttlers are expected to engage in training sessions under the watchful eyes of international experts while taking part in competitions during the six-day tour. The touring party comprises Harasa Wijeratne, Lakshini Krishnadasa, Beenu Bimalya Krishnadasa, Inurika Ayanaji Dasanayake, Nadeesha Mettananda, Viran Laksanda Ratnayake, Sunera Karunaratne, Supun Karunaratne and Thivanka Gunawardane, who have been noteworthy performers for Vidura College.
“These players have been highly promising in their performances for the school. Since 2007 we won the runners- up title at the Colombo District Under- 16 doubles championship. In 2008 we annexed the Under- 12 Girls E Division runner-up title which signified our entry to a competitive level. The following year our Under-14 girls were adjudged the B Division runners-up while our Under-12 girls cl i n ched the D Division championship. This was a significant achievement for Vidura College,” Upali de Silva, the sports manager of the school said.
In 2008 the Under-15 shuttlers of Vidura College toured Chennai, India and won most of the events they participated in. Following their inaugural international outing, the Vidura Under-15 shuttlers toured Bangalore, India where they won major honours. This was after several achievements at home.
“Our shuttlers improved well after each competition. This was clear when our players clinched the Under-12 and 15 D Division doubles titles followed by the Under-12 C Division runners-up championship. Our Under-10 team became the C Division runners-up and the Under14s won the D Division runners-up,” de Silva added.
With the able guidance of experienced coaches, the Vidura College Under-19 girls team was able to secure the second runners-up spot in the C Division segment of the AllIsland tournament.
The year 2012 kicked off with success for Vidura with the girls and boys Under-19 teams winning the All-Island second runners-up slot. In addition, their Under-16 teams won the B Division title while their Under-15 shuttlers, competing in the B Division, were able to clinch the boys, girls singles and doubles championships, before they were invited to Malaysia.
“This is a very good opportunity for our badminton players to undergo training as well as take part in competitions. We hope our players will improve after their valuable exposure and experience in Malaysia,” he added.
In addition to de Silva, who will assist the team as the sports manager, Kithsiri Silva will accompany the team as administrative manager while Shermein Karunaratne will be the lady chaperon. The Vidura College badminton team will leave at noon on August 27 and will return in the afternoon on September 1.
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