News
Shuttle sensation Nettasinghe reachesMarianas Open pre quarters
Sri Lanka’s badminton sensation Viren Nettasinghe reached the pre quarter-final stage of Crowne Plaza Northern Marianas Open 2024, currently underway in Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands.
The top seed player of the six-day competition conducted by Northern Marianas Badminton Association, recorded straight wins on his way to reach the top 16 after defeating Japan’s Keisuje Fujiwara in the Round of 32 after handing a straight defeat to Hsin Tse Tu of Chinese Taipei to advance further as the firm favourite to clinch the Men’s Singles title of the tournament.
Yesterday, in the third round, Nettasinghe had little opposition from Fujiwara as he cruised to an easy 21-7 win in the first set. But the Japanese shuttler showed some improvement in the second setter before Nettasinghe nailed the game 2-0 with a set score of 22-20.
Earlier, in the second round, Nettasinghe played gallantly to totally outplay Chinese Taipei’s Tse Hu 2-0, after recording set wins of 21-7 and 21-6. The first Sri Lankan athlete to directly qualify for the Paris Olympics 2024, received a bye in the first round after earning the top seed position of the tournament. He will now meet Malaysia’s Justin Hoh, the fifth seed player of the tournament, in the quarter-final.
The tournament will end on Saturday, as Nettasinghe is expected claim the Men’s Singles title of the competition, one of the two international tournaments the Sri Lankan shuttle sensation features in the Paris Olympics.
The quarter-finals of Men’s Singles of the Northern Marianas Open will take place on July 5, followed by the semi-finals next day, culminating in the gold medal matches on July 7.
Nettasinghe, Sri Lanka’s top ranked shuttler, is currently placed 75th in the world. Following the Northern Marianas Open, he will compete in the Saipan International Open Badminton Tournament 2024 from July 9-13.
The two BWF Grade 3 International Challenge Tournaments, both offering a prize pool of $15,000 each, are expected to attract top talent from around the world. Sanctioned by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and Badminton Oceania, both tournaments are hosted by the Northern Marianas Badminton Association.
Cricket
Leadership Change Looms at Sri Lanka Cricket
Sri Lanka Cricket could be on the verge of a major leadership shake-up, with reports suggesting that President Shammi Silva is expected to resign from his post on Wednesday, potentially ending a seven-year tenure at the helm of the governing body.
According to a report published by Daily Mirror, Silva’s anticipated resignation follows a request from the government, signaling possible political involvement in the administration of the sport.
The report further indicates that former Member of Parliament and State Minister Eran Wickramaratne is likely to be appointed as the Interim President of Sri Lanka Cricket, should Silva step down as expected.
Silva, who was first elected to the position in February 2019, has maintained his leadership through multiple election victories, overseeing Sri Lanka Cricket during a period marked by both challenges and transitions.
While no official confirmation has yet been issued, the reported developments have already sparked widespread discussion within cricketing and political circles, raising questions about the future direction of the country’s cricket administration.
Athletics
Tharanga Claims Historic Gold in Nairobi with Record-Breaking Throw
Sri Lanka’s rising javelin sensation Rumesh Tharanga delivered a remarkable performance on the international stage, clinching gold at the Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi with a stunning meet record throw of 89.28 metres.
Competing against an elite field, Tharanga outshone some of the sport’s biggest names, including Olympic champion Thomas Röhler and Kenya’s celebrated Olympic silver medallist and world champion Julius Yego. His victory marks one of the most significant achievements in Sri Lankan athletics in recent years.
The triumph is further highlighted by Tharanga’s consistency, as this is his second throw exceeding 89 metres within a month. Such performances signal his growing dominance and position him firmly among the world’s top javelin throwers this season.
News
Seneviratne Elected NOC President in Key Vote for Sri Lanka Sports Future
Asanga Seneviratne was elected as the new President of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka following a decisive vote held today, marking a significant leadership change at a crucial juncture for the nation’s sporting landscape.
Seneviratne, who also heads the Sri Lanka Baseball Softball Association, secured a clear majority with 16 votes. His closest contender, Jaswar Umar, garnered 11 votes, while Shirantha Peiris received 2.
The election outcome places Seneviratne at the helm of the country’s premier Olympic body as Sri Lanka intensifies preparations for a series of upcoming regional and international competitions.
His appointment is expected to play a key role in shaping the direction of national sports development and strengthening the country’s presence on the global stage.











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