Mr. Gunawardena, who is accompanying the 20-member Sri Lanka squad at the 10-day elite regional tournament, met Mr. Kim Jong Soo, the President of BA, Mr. Dato Kenny Goh Chee Kiong, the Secretary General of BA and the Chief Operating Officer of BA, Mr. Chui Weng Sheng and had a cordial conversation that may result with reaping benefits for the development of badminton in Sri Lanka.
“I got the opportunity to meet the three top officials of Badminton Asia and share Sri Lanka’s perspective and suggestions to further develop the game in Sri Lanka.
The meeting was positive and fruitful, and Sri Lanka will definitely benefit immensely in time to come,” Mr. Gunawardena said.
Badminton Asia top officials have pledge their support and commitment to suggestions made by Mr. Gunawardena, who had outlined key areas Sri Lanka could improve as a badminton-playing nation from the Asian region.
Mr. Gunawardena has been invited by Badminton Asia to attend to upcoming South Asia Regional Badminton Championship 2025, which is to be held in Thimphu, Bhutan from August 15th to 22nd, and make a seven-minute presentation on Sri Lanka’s suggestions and ideas to further develop the standards and facilities of badminton.
“I suggested them (BA) to help us promote Air Badminton in Sri Lanka, especially at universities and schools from the rural areas with less facilities, by helping 50 teachers to become instructors from selected 25 schools.
I further elaborated the key areas to further improve the game, as well as the standards of players and coaches.
The feedback was highly positive,” added Mr. Gunawardena.
Mr. Gunawardena, who was elected as President of SLB in May this year, was received to a warm welcome by BA officials, who engaged in a valuable discussion on the development of badminton in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka is represented by 20 shuttlers, 10 each of boys and girls, against 19 other nations from the Asian region at the WONDR Badminton Asia Junior Championship 2025.
Mr. Gunawardena joined the contingent alongside coaches Sahan Siriwardena and Ranthushka Karunathilaka and Lady Chaperone Mrs. Chandani at the regional tournament conducted by Badminton Asia.