Karunaratne throws in the towel but eyes Olympics | Sunday Observer

Karunaratne throws in the towel but eyes Olympics

28 February, 2021
Niluka Karunaratne in action at last week’s Nationals before announcing his retirement from domestic events but still keeping an eye on international matches
Niluka Karunaratne in action at last week’s Nationals before announcing his retirement from domestic events but still keeping an eye on international matches

National badminton champion Niluka Karunaratne has indicated that he will be retiring from local events after having stayed on top for several years in Sri Lanka’s rankings.

“I never thought of retiring before the commencement of the 17th national championship but my youngest brother Chamika gave me the idea to retire on a winning note,” said the undisputed champion Niluka in an interview with the Sunday Observer.

The two time Olympian 36-year-old Karunaratne said that he will be competing in the international arena for one more year with the focus on the Tokyo Olympics which is scheduled to begin on July 23. But he has not yet reached the qualifying standard and the deadline for this has been extended to June 15 due to the Covid-19.

“I have four international tournaments to compete in, commencing in April, to reach the qualification standard. At present I am 112 in the world ranking and if I can reach 85-90 that would be sufficient for Olympic qualification,” noted Karunaratne.

Karunaratne’s best win was over world eighth ranked Kenichi Tago of Japan at the London Olympics in 2012.

He has also reached the highest ranking of 34 in 2013 having participated in more than 20 international tournaments. He has won nine gold, eight silver and four bronze medals during that time. But he has won only two silver and two bronze medals at South Asian Games.

“I took to badminton at the age of eight years. My coach was my father Louie Karunaratne who is still my coach. I had the opportunity to represent the country in five Commonwealth Games and two Olympics. I have dedicated my life to the game and worked hard to achieve my present status,” said Karunaratne.

The 17 times national singles champion has also clinched the men’s doubles and mixed doubles titles several times. His younger brother Dinuka has won the national singles title three times.

“I like to see many youngsters come up with good skills. They try to defeat me but I always used my experience to overcome them. The journey in badminton in Sri Lanka is good and recognized internationally. We are on par with cricket, rugby and athletics. My advice to youngsters is to maintain fitness and be more dedicated to the game,” said Karunaratne.

 

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