Convention Bureau to host Asian badminton c’ships

Convention Bureau will stage the Asia U16 badminton championships at the S Thomas’ College sports complex from August 3-9. This event was awarded to Sri Lanka by the Badminton World Federation (BWF).
This is the first occasion in the 50-year history of the Sri Lanka Badminton Association (SLBA) that a Continental event has been awarded to Sri Lanka. The SLBA together with the Ministry of Sports and Public Recreation have worked hard to get this event for Sri Lanka which will not only be a major sporting event but also enable tourism authorities showcase Sri Lanka to the many overseas participants and their supporters who would be visiting the island during this period.
Asia contains the leading countries in the world of badminton all of which traditionally participate in this event. Countries expected to participate include the badminton powerhouses of China, Indonesia, Malaysia and Korea together with rivals who have produced recent junior champions such as Thailand, India, Vietnam, Iran, Hong Kong, China and Japan - potential tourism markets.
The Bureau added: “We have planned to stage a major cultural performance for participants and visitors to witness glimpse of Sri Lanka’s traditions, art and culture with an objective of bringing them back to the country with their families, friends and relatives. These events are coming at the right time when Sri Lanka Tourism is gearing itself to receive increased arrivals.