McLarens fetes Brand Ambassador Niluka for qualifying for London Olympics

By Cheranka Mendis

McLarens Group of Companies on Monday announced the qualification of their Brand Ambassador and number one ranked Sri Lankan shuttler, Niluka Karunaratne, for the London Olympics scheduled to be held from 27 June to 11 August this year.

Karunaratne, recognised as a sportsman who has come up to the Olympic level on his merit and not on wild cards, has had two close misses to partake in the previous Olympic games in 2004 and 2008. As at 3 May, the cut-off date for qualifications for London Olympics 2012, Karunaratne held the World Rank at 47; the best achieved by a Sri Lankan. He was also placed in the 30th slot out of 38 selected for the Men’s Single category, assuring a place on merit to compete in the games.

With only two-and-a-half months to go, Karunaratne assured that he is now at his peak in the game, which he could maintain for another two years or so, according to scientific research.

“I have been preparing for this from last year. I am now in a good mental state to participate in the game as well as at the peak period in my game.”

He stated that with 2008 Olympic dream not being realised, the aim was to somehow get qualified this year. “I have dedicated myself wholeheartedly and committed my time, sweat and tears and worked hard to not just become a good player, but to become the best I could be.”

With a phenomenal track record, Karunaratne showcased his ability when he won all junior titles from Under 11 to Under 19, before becoming the Junior National Champion (Under 19) at the age of 15.

His track record indicates that he went on to win Senior Nationals Men’s Open titled at the age of 16, becoming the youngest-ever to win the accolade. He continued holding the title 10 times to date, nine years in a row, skipping year before last to take back the title in 2011. He stands ‘undefeated’ locally throughout his career since winning the Senior National title in 2011.

He has proved his colours internationally as well. In 2011 Karunaratne too home all Titles in the five continents playing at Iran Open in Asia, Kenya Open in Africa, Puerto Rico Open in South America, Miami Open in North America and Welsh Open in Europe. He also defeated Australian No.1 who ranked 38 in the world and New Zealand No. 1 a couple of years ago at the Australian Open.

“I will try my best to make my country, myself and all those who have supported me proud at the coming Olympics.”

Karunaratne will get to know his opponent after the draw on 22 June.

He expressed his thanks to the McLarens Group for coming forward to assist him financially when he was at crossroads. “If I had to worry about finances on top of getting properly trained I would not have been able to use my best at the qualification round. By coming forward to assist me, I regained my peace of mind and could concentrate solely on the game.”

He also receives a special payment from the Ministry of Sports worth Rs. 50,000 monthly for his training and nutrition.

When questioned on the level of badminton coaches in Sri Lanka, Karunaratne noted that the country needs a highly qualified overseas coach to boost the game within the country. He stated that in developed countries, the training and skill development, research and development and studies done on the players and the game is at advanced stages, which unfortunately local coaches are not trained to do.

“What I will be doing at the Olympics is based more from the experiences I have gathered taking part in international games and at training with internationally coaches.” He will receive special training by a South Korean trainer prior to the games.

“We cannot compete and challenge international players with the background we currently have in the country regarding the games. There are many young players coming up and they need highly professional coaches who can give the necessary training to take them to the top. The administrators must identify young talent and put them on a long term plan and support them.”

He is scheduled to leave for Spain to compete at the Spanish Open from 17-20 May before moving on to participate in the Russian Grand Prix in 2012. He will then move to Poland for a training stint in the run up to the Olympics.

The trips are being sponsored by the McLarens Group. The Group also sponsors other shuttlers such as Achini Ratnasiri. McLarens Chairman and Managing Director Rohan De Silva stated that the Group hopes to sponsor Karunaratne for the next few years. “Our hope is to be there for him in the future.”

He stated that the Group’s interest in Karunaratne had been sparked by the many badminton players within the Group itself. “We have been involved with badminton for a considerable period of time and one of the main targets was to produce an international champion who will bring glory and honour to the motherland. Most of our company employees are badminton players and the game has become a way of life for McLarens.”

When asked about their investment on Karunaratne, De Silva stated that it was an “investment of a couple of millions”.