Badminton receives lifeline with Rohan de Silva as new SLBA President
After years of squabbling and interim measures imposed by the Minister of Sports, the Sri Lanka Badminton Association finally conducted its Annual General Meeting and Elections of Office Bearers for the next four year term. Having served the Interim Committees on the fringes but spending more time with Masters Badminton, the former motor racing ace Rohan de Si lva threw down the gauntlet and triumphed in a hard fought election that also saw the election of two confidants in Mohan Wijesinghe as Secretary and Mangala Gamage as Treasurer and the rest of the Ex- Co are now charged with the task of reviving and transforming Badminton in Sri Lanka.
The media caught up with the new SLBA President Rohan de Silva, soon after the election results were announced and buttonholed him with a barrage of questions: Q: How does it feel to take over the helm of Sri Lanka Badminton? Quite excited with the prospect. I normally run businesses, but this is a different opportunity to do something very necessary for a sport I really enjoy.
Q: With such responsibilities, how will you find the time for Badminton?
My business group is now well organised with a whole team of top professionals who run the various divisions. So, I am free to explore new opportunities all the time!
Q: We all know that your first passion was Motor Racing, so why the shift?
I gave most of my life to that sport and was champion many times over especially in Formula Racing in Sri Lanka. I also spent some time in Administration and formed my own Motor Racing Club to develop Formula Racing. There is a time for everything and since of late Badminton has been a most rewarding discovery.
Q: Have you been playing Badminton for long?
Yes, since my young days, more to keep fit and as a leisure activity. Badminton helps you keep fit and that was my initial motive. But playing almost daily, I developed an interest in Masters Events playing both here and abroad which has proven very enjoyable.
Q: But what made you strive to take on the role of SLBA President?
Those in the sport know how reluctant I was. But I was disappointed with the organisation and standards as I had a court- side view of what was going on. And so gradually I was persuaded to take on this job to address the shortcomings and transform the sport to a new high.
Q: Do you think Badminton could be a premier national sport?
Indeed. The popularity all over the country is tremendous but facilities are minimal and sub- standard. One of my top priorities is to improve the recreational and competitive aspects of the sport.
Q: Can you elaborate on that aspect?
Yes, ideally we must introduce basic standards into the preparation of indoor courts and bring discipline into how the game is played at all levels, so that it becomes more enjoyable and competitive as we develop the finer aspects.
Q: Have you got the technical capacity to do that?
First of all, I would like to take a good hard look at the District Associations and their organisational capability, because we would like to work through them. Secondly, I intend to engage foreign coaches and trainers at a National Level who will in turn develop an array of local coaches and umpires to lift technical standards.
Q: How will you raise the funds as Badminton does not attract gate revenue?
The Ministry of Sports allocates certain funds. I will raise the balance requirements from sponsors and well- wishers. I believe the challenge is on how these funds are spent.
Q: What are your plans for the National Teams?
We will identify the top players afresh and target certain Asian and World competitions as benchmarks for development. But I believe that it is on the younger players that we must focus by establishing islandwide academies.
Q: You are also a Founder of the Ceylon Masters Badminton Association. What will be its plans?
That initiative will continue, allowing senior players to extend their Badminton careers and exposure to International Masters Competitions and the fellowship it brings.
Q: What about the ladies game and their prospects?
They will get the same emphasis as the men and the boys, nothing less in every way. We have done well in the women’s competitions and we will certainly develop their performances side, starting with the schools.