Colombo to host Senior International Badminton Tournament in Nov.

Veteran and Masters badminton players in Sri Lanka will be up against their international counterparts when the Senior International Badminton Tour-nament begins at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium in Colombo on 26 November.

The four-day event is organised by the Ceylon Masters Badminton Association (CMBA) and is endorsed by the Sports Ministry.

Speaking during a press conference held in Colombo, the tournament’s Deputy Director Trevor Reckerman said: “Badminton is a sport loved by many sportsmen and women which has brought many accolades to the country playing on the international scene. But sad to say, players, after reaching their peak form, give up the game at the competitive level and continue it just to maintain their fitness.

“In other countries shuttlers who have gone past 35 years get the opportunity to continue with the game at a competitive level in their countries and also conduct invitational tournaments at which Sri Lankan senior shuttlers also participate and bring glory to the country. Considering these facts, the Ceylon Masters Badminton Association decided to conduct the Senior International Badminton Tournament which has received the approval of the Ministry of Sports,” Reckerman said.

“The tournament will also help to promote the sport among veterans while developing interest at the international level. With many foreign senior players in action in the local arena the young local players will get the opportunity to see them and improve their own standards. Already players from over 10 countries have made enquiries about the tournament and had stated that they are willing to come for the event,” Reckerman added.Competitions will be held under eight age categories, namely Over 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65 and 70 in men’s and women’s singles, doubles and mixed doubles.

The podium winners in each category will be awarded medals and certificates while a total of $ 7,500 will be on offer for champions and runners-up of each event.

Additionally, during the press briefing CMBA President Rohan de Silva launched the association’s website www.ceylonmasters.com, which will publish all relevant details regarding the event. Interested players can enroll online via the CMBA website before 12 November and the draw will be held on November.

The CMBA will hold the players briefing at Hotel Galadari, Colombo 1 on 25 November at 5.00 p.m, followed by the technical officials meeting.

The event will culminate with a farewell banquet dinner hosted by the CMBA on the final day of the event at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium.

On-court doctors will be on duty at the tournament venue and ambulance services will also be available if necessary. Participants can also hire the services of a physiotherapist with prior appointment at the venue.

The organisers have teamed up with five of the star-class hotels in Colombo in providing hospitality and travel packages for participants and the plans include the tournament’s entry fees, transport, accommodation and breakfast.

Further details about the tournament can be obtained by contacting the CMBA, located at No. 284, Vauxhall Street, Colombo 2, via 011 23 32 375, 077 79 96 699 or email - [email protected] and [email protected].