Thilina Rajakaruna and Rashmi Bhagya each clinched the men’s and women’s singles titles respectively at the North Western Province All Island Open Badminton Championship.
Hosted by the North Western Province Badminton Association under the auspices of the Sri Lanka Badminton Association, the tournament was held at the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment Army Camp in Boyagane and the Municipal Council Indoor Badminton Courts in Kurunegala. In the men’s singles final, Rajakaruna secured a 21-19, 21-18 win against Thenuka Sathsara de Silva to clinch the title. Rashmi Bhagya claimed the women’s singles crown due to her opponent Sithuli Sathnadi Ranasinghe’s withdrawal because of an injury, with Bhagya leading 11-0 at the time.
Madhuka Dulanjana and Lahiru Madhushanka Weerasinghe claimed victory in the men’s doubles final with scores of 21-14 and 21-16, against Sehandu Peiris and Thesath Semika Rajapaksa. In the women’s doubles category, Rashmi Bhagya and Warangana Jayawardhana secured the championship with a 21-15, 21-7 win over Senadi Dahamsa de Silva and Nethanga Vindini.
The mixed doubles title went to Madhuka Dulanjana and Anurangi Hansamali Maskorala, who overcame Thenuka Sathsara de Silva and Samadhi Onel Sathnara with a scoreline of 24-22, 22-24, and 21-17 in a thrilling final.
Men’s open singles champion Rajakaruna also triumphed in the under-19 boys’ singles category, defeating Dewmina Gunawardena, adding to his impressive haul from the tournament. The under-19 girls’ singles title was claimed by Tinudi Fernandu, who showed great promise and skill, defeating Dilshi Himara Dissanayake 21-10, 21-11.
The championship served as a crucial platform for national ranking and showcased the rising stars in Sri Lankan badminton, highlighting the sport’s growing popularity and competitive spirit in the country. A total prize pool of Rs.750,000 was on offer for the winners in the championships, sponsored by McFoil, Mobil, Li Ning, 3M, and Gac. This championship not only celebrated individual and team achievements but also highlighted the bright future of badminton in Sri Lanka.