Viren, Ranithma retain singles titles at Badminton Nationals

By Susil Premalal

Sri Lankan Olympian Viren Nettasinghe and Ranithma Liyanage successfully defended their Open Men’s and Open Women’s Singles titles at the 73rd Sri Lanka National Badminton Championships, organised by Sri Lanka Badminton (SLB) and held at the S. Thomas’ Indoor Sports Complex, Mount Lavinia.

Both Viren and Ranithma clinched their respective crowns for the second consecutive year, highlighting their dominance at the national level. The 73rd edition of the championships also marked a milestone, recording the highest-ever participation of players in the history of the tournament.

In the Open Men’s Singles final, Viren produced a commanding performance to defeat Rasindu Hendahewa in straight games, 21–10 and 21–14. On his route to the final, Viren overcame Thilina Rajakaruna in the semifinals, while Rasindu booked his place by defeating Thibas Irushika, both matches ending in straight-game victories.

The Open Women’s Singles final saw Ranithma Liyanage outclass Rashmi Mudalige 21–12, 21–18 to retain her title. Ranithma reached the final by defeating Panchali Janodya in the semifinals, while Rashmi advanced after overcoming Sithuli Sathnadi.

In the Open Men’s Doubles event, Sanuda Ariyasinghe and Thisath Rupathunga emerged champions after a closely contested 2–1 victory over Oshamika Karunarathne and Thulith Palliyaguru.

The Open Women’s Doubles title was claimed by Varangana Jayawardena and Rashmi Mudalige, who recorded a comfortable win against Dilini Ambalangodage and Ranumi Manage.

The Open Mixed Doubles championship was secured by Thulith Palliyaguru and Panchali Adhikari, who defeated Ashinsha Herath and Rashmi Mudalige 2–1 in the final.

In the junior categories, the Under-19 Boys’ Singles title was won by Keneth Aruggoda, who defeated Hiruka Sahanmith, while the Under-19 Girls’ Singles crown went to Nethmi Rathnayake after overcoming Senudi Amarasinghe.

Thenul Ganewatte and Nethil Thewmika captured the Under-19 Boys’ Doubles title, with Dilini Ambalangodage and Ranumi Manage winning the Girls’ Doubles event.

In the Under-17 category, Senuth Sethmith claimed the Boys’ Singles title by defeating Pamudu Pankaja, while Dulanya Livera secured the Girls’ Singles championship after beating Thenuki Ayansa.

The championships concluded with Viren and Ranithma once again affirming their status as Sri Lanka’s premier badminton players, while the strong showing across junior events signalled a promising future for the sport in the country. 

By Susil Premalal

Sri Lankan Olympian Viren Nettasinghe and Ranithma Liyanage successfully defended their Open Men’s and Open Women’s Singles titles at the 73rd Sri Lanka National Badminton Championships, organised by Sri Lanka Badminton (SLB) and held at the S. Thomas’ Indoor Sports Complex, Mount Lavinia.

Both Viren and Ranithma clinched their respective crowns for the second consecutive year, highlighting their dominance at the national level. The 73rd edition of the championships also marked a milestone, recording the highest-ever participation of players in the history of the tournament.

In the Open Men’s Singles final, Viren produced a commanding performance to defeat Rasindu Hendahewa in straight games, 21–10 and 21–14. On his route to the final, Viren overcame Thilina Rajakaruna in the semifinals, while Rasindu booked his place by defeating Thibas Irushika, both matches ending in straight-game victories.

The Open Women’s Singles final saw Ranithma Liyanage outclass Rashmi Mudalige 21–12, 21–18 to retain her title. Ranithma reached the final by defeating Panchali Janodya in the semifinals, while Rashmi advanced after overcoming Sithuli Sathnadi.

In the Open Men’s Doubles event, Sanuda Ariyasinghe and Thisath Rupathunga emerged champions after a closely contested 2–1 victory over Oshamika Karunarathne and Thulith Palliyaguru.

The Open Women’s Doubles title was claimed by Varangana Jayawardena and Rashmi Mudalige, who recorded a comfortable win against Dilini Ambalangodage and Ranumi Manage.

The Open Mixed Doubles championship was secured by Thulith Palliyaguru and Panchali Adhikari, who defeated Ashinsha Herath and Rashmi Mudalige 2–1 in the final.

In the junior categories, the Under-19 Boys’ Singles title was won by Keneth Aruggoda, who defeated Hiruka Sahanmith, while the Under-19 Girls’ Singles crown went to Nethmi Rathnayake after overcoming Senudi Amarasinghe.

Thenul Ganewatte and Nethil Thewmika captured the Under-19 Boys’ Doubles title, with Dilini Ambalangodage and Ranumi Manage winning the Girls’ Doubles event.

In the Under-17 category, Senuth Sethmith claimed the Boys’ Singles title by defeating Pamudu Pankaja, while Dulanya Livera secured the Girls’ Singles championship after beating Thenuki Ayansa.

The championships concluded with Viren and Ranithma once again affirming their status as Sri Lanka’s premier badminton players, while the strong showing across junior events signalled a promising future for the sport in the country.