Over 500 young paddlers have entered the arena at the Bandaragama Indoor Stadium to show off their talents at the much anticipated Junior National Table Tennis Championship that began yesterday.
Organisers claim this year’s event promises to be one of the most exciting tournaments in recent history as players will compete across various age categories.
The reigning champions from the previous year, Vinuka Gunawardena of Royal College and Bimandee Bandara of Hillwood College will certainly find it tough to defend their titles this year according to analysts.
Additionally, the current Sri Lanka women’s and men’s top players Bandara and Saifullah Akram will also participate in the junior national tournament, raising the level of excitement according to organisers.
Their involvement in the event will undoubtedly inspire the younger generation of table tennis enthusiasts.
The championship will be played using all official table tennis equipment provided by the Yinhe.
Talented players in boys’ category are: U-11: Kenura Silva (Nalanda) and Deranya Kesara (Dharmasoka).
U-13: Yenul Abeywickckrama (Ananda) and Sinura Kevin (Dharmasoka).
U-15: Akain Bojith (Dharmasoka) and Mathila Sasdinu (Dharmasoka).
U-17: Shafiullah Akram (Trinity) and Janith Batugedara (Royal).
U-19: Rehan Senanayaka (Ananda) and Shaifullah Akram (Trinity)
Talented Contenders in the girls’ category are: U-11: Chanuki Akshana (Dharmasoka) and Aveesha Herath (St. Anthony’s)
U-13: Chanuki Akshana (Dharmasoka) and Nisandi Nimthara (Southland)
U-15: Yoshini Jayawardane (Mahamaya) and Mithuli Sahanya (Southlands)
U-17: Tamadi Kavindya (Devananda) and Shamalsha Dewmi (Holy Cross College)
U-19: Bimandee Bandara (Hillwood) and Shamalsha Dewmi (Holy Cross College)
These players are all seeded in the top and bottom positions of their respective age categories and are expected to make for some exciting matches.
