Young Lankan shuttlers bag five South Asian medals

Sri Lanka shuttlers bagged five medals, two silver and three bronze, at the South Asian Under-21 Badminton Championship concluded in Kathmandu, Nepal. India, Sri Lanka, hosts Nepal, Bangladesh and Maldives took part in this tournament.

Two silver medals and two bronze medals were won in the Singles event while the bronze medal was won in the Team event.

Ranthushka Sasindu was outstanding among the Lankans to win both silver medals. Sasindu playing both Boys Singles event and Mixed Doubles, had to be satisfied with silver medals as he failed to live up to his reputation to be the winner.

Sasindu was beaten by India’s Priyanshu Rakawath 2-1 (16/21, 21/17, 21/16) in the Singles and in the Mixed Doubles event partnering Dilmi Dias, went down to Indian pair-Vishnuwardan Gowd and Tanisha Krasto 2-0 (21/10, 21/16).

Hashini Ambalangoda, gold medal winner of the International Mixed Team event held in Argentina, qualified for the semi-finals but unfortunately was ended the loser to India’s Puruwa Burvi 2-1 (21/19, 9/21, 21/10) to receive a bronze medal. Charith Illeperuma and Chamath Dias failed to go pass the semi finals in the Boys Team event received bronze medals.

Sri Lanka was represented by Ranthushka Rasindu, Charith Illeperuma, Chamath Dias, Duminda Abeywickrema, Viren Neththasinghe, Dilmi Dias, Hasini Ambalangoda, and Hasara Wijerathne. Coach Danushka Nilanga and Manager K.G.I. Upendra accompanied the team.

– Lakshman Ranasinghe