Sports

Sports

Niluka shuttles to Germany

Niluka Karunaratne, Sri Lanka’s No. One Badminton (men’s) champion has been a rising star since he started playing at junior level at Royal. He has shown consistency and has done proud for the Reid Avenue school in the shuttle sport. According to SLBA sources Niluka has received a two-year scholarship from the International Olympic Committee, in preparation for the year 2008 Beijing Olympics in China. This was made possible thanks to the efforts of the Sri Lanka National Olympic Committee.

Twenty-one-year old Niluka, will leave on June 8. It’s a full-time training stint (all found), training with some of the best in the trade.

Though away from home for two years, he will shuttle to and from and will take part at national level (Sri Lanka) meets..

His two brothers Diluka and Dinuka, will represent Sri Lanka in the Babolat North Harbour International championship in Auckland New Zealand from June 8 to 11. He will also take part in the New Zealand under 21 open championship which will also coincide with the above international.

Besides this the Equinox New Zealand open will be held from August 1 to 8. Louies Karunaratne will accompany the two players (Manager) for the Auckland International. - BW