News
Savinaka claim title for third successive year as Thulithclaim double crown at MBA Open Badminton Championships 2026
Savinaka Weerasekara defended his title for the second consecutive year while Thulith Palliyaguru accounted for a double crown at the MBA All-Island Open Badminton Championship 2026, which concluded in a grand scale at the Mercantile Badminton Association (MBA) courts in Colombo.
After conceding the first set by 18-21, Savinaka Weerasekarabounced back to overcome aspiring shuttler Keneth Aruggodaby 21-12 and 21-5 to seal the MBA Open Men’s Singles title for the third consecutive year. Varangana Jayawardana defeated Dulanya Karunarathna in similar fashion by 2-1, with set scores of 19-21, 21-12 and 21-13 to claim the MBA Open Women’s Singles title.
Thulith Palliyaguru partnered with Oshamika Karunarathna to overcome the duo of Jason Homer and Thavisha Samararatne in straight sets (24-22, 21-16) to claim the Open Men’s Doubles title, after pairing up with Panchali Adhikari to win the Open Mixed Doubles title to secure his double crown. Thulith and Panchali defeated Aashinsa Herath and Varangana Jayawardanain straight sets, with scores of 21-16 and 21-17. The Open Women’s Doubles title was claimed by Anurangi Masakoralaand Praveena Wijesundara, who defeated Isuri Attanayake and Sithumi de Silva in straight sets by 22-20 and 21-16 after an absorbing battle.
In the Junior category, Dinew Wmalaratne and NethmiRatnayake secured the U-19 Boy’s and Girl’s Singles titles, with the former accounting for a double crown. Dinew was given a tough challenge by Senuth Perera, who squared the Boy’s Singles final after the eventual champion won the first set by 21-17 and conceded the second 16-21 to set a thrilling final set. Dinew claimed the final set 21-18 and secured the title by 2-1, after claiming the Boys’ U-19 Doubles title partnering with Keneth Aruggoda to defeat Thejana Herath and MihilaJayaweera in straight sets, with scores of 21/13 and 21-16.
Nethmi Ratnayake defeated Dulanya Karunarathna in straight sets by 21-17 and 21-14, while the pairing of Isuri Attanayakeand Sithumi de Silva went on to overcome Vinuthi Ranasingheand Yenara Wickramasinghe by 2-1 to claim the Girls’ U-19 Doubles title. Isuri and Sithumi conceded the first set 16-21, but bounced back to claim the remaining two sets by 24-22 and 21-9 to emerge winners after a grueling battle.
The annual elite badminton competition conducted by Mercantile Badminton Association, attracted nearly 1900 shuttlers, who battled it out in 59 different events. A grand cash prize of Rs. 750,000 was on offer in addition to gifts and certificates at the event, which was held at the MBA, Sri Lanka Badminton and Otters courts from May 2nd to 10th with Elite Shutter stepping forward as the Main Sponsor. Other sponsors namely DMS, Hundred, Linning, Omrith, ATG, NST Enterprises, Mclarens Group, Mobil, Lanla Commodity Brokers, Gangani Tea Factory, Forbes & Walker Tea Factory, Green House Tea Factory, Palathota Uva Tea Factory and Sanda HiruProductions contributed for the success of the nine-day event. Mrs Shanga Jayawicrama graced the awards ceremony as Chief Guest while Brian Gomes of Elite Shutter made his presence as the Guest of Honour.
News
Ceylon Masters Badminton Championships 2026 Entry Deadline Extended Until June 3
The Organizing Committee of the Ceylon Masters International Badminton Championships 2026 has announced an extension of the tournament entry deadline, giving players additional time to register for one of the region’s premier masters badminton events.
According to the organizers, the revised closing date for entries is June 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. The extension is expected to provide greater flexibility for players who have yet to complete their registration process.

The championship is set to attract a large number of masters badminton players from around the world, who will converge in Colombo, Sri Lanka, for a highly competitive international tournament. The event has steadily grown in stature and is now regarded as a key fixture on the global masters badminton calendar.
Tournament officials have encouraged interested players to take advantage of the extended deadline and secure their participation before entries officially close. They emphasized that the championship offers competitors a valuable opportunity to test their skills against international opponents while experiencing Sri Lanka’s renowned hospitality and sporting culture.
With strong local and overseas interest already evident, organizers expect another successful edition of the tournament and have urged players not to miss the opportunity to be part of this exciting international badminton championship.
Cricket
Virat Kohli half-century and bowlers help RCB retain IPL title
Royal Challengers Bengaluru successfully defended their IPL crown with a composed five-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 final, powered by a masterful unbeaten 75 from Virat Kohli and a disciplined bowling performance.
After being asked to bat first, Gujarat Titans struggled to build momentum against a relentless RCB attack and were restricted to 155 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs.
The Titans lost both openers early as Bhuvneshwar Kumar removed Sai Sudharsan and skipper Shubman Gill inside the first four overs. Nishant Sindhu briefly resisted with 20, but wickets fell at regular intervals as RCB tightened their grip on the contest.
Washington Sundar stood firm amid the collapse, producing a fighting unbeaten 50 off 37 deliveries that featured five boundaries. However, he received little support from the middle order. Rasikh Salam emerged as the pick of the bowlers with impressive figures of 3 for 27, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood claimed two wickets apiece. Krunal Pandya also chipped in with a crucial scalp as Gujarat finished below a par total.
In reply, RCB got off to a flying start through Venkatesh Iyer, who blasted 32 from just 16 balls. Although the defending champions lost a few quick wickets in the middle overs, Kohli anchored the chase with another vintage innings under pressure.
The veteran star struck nine fours and three sixes in his unbeaten 75 off 42 balls, controlling the innings with a blend of aggression and composure. Rajat Patidar contributed 15, while Tim David added a valuable 24 before falling with the target in sight.
Kohli then guided RCB home alongside wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma, who remained unbeaten on 11, as Bengaluru reached 161 for 5 in just 18 overs.
The victory secured back-to-back IPL titles for RCB and once again highlighted Kohli’s enduring class on the biggest stage.
Brief Scores:
Gujarat Titans 155/8 in 20 overs (Washington Sundar 50; Rasikh Salam 3/27, Bhuvneshwar Kumar 2/29, Josh Hazlewood 2/37) lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru 161/5 in 18 overs (Virat Kohli 75, Venkatesh Iyer 32, Tim David 24; Rashid Khan 2/25) by five wickets.
Athletics
Tarushi Abisheka Wins Gold for Sri Lanka at Asian Under-20 Athletics Championships
Sri Lankan athlete Tarushi Abisheka secured a gold medal in the girls’ 1500m event at the Asian Under-20 Athletics Championships currently being held in Hong Kong on Thursday (May 28).
Abisheka delivered an impressive performance to finish first with a timing of 4 minutes and 31.41 seconds, bringing glory to Sri Lanka on the international stage.
Iran’s Maryam Baluoutaki claimed the silver medal, while South Korea’s Song Dawson finished in third place to secure the bronze.
The talented Sri Lankan middle-distance runner is also competing in the 800m event at the championship.
The Asian Under-20 Athletics Championships has attracted athletes from 40 countries, competing across 46 events.
Sri Lanka has fielded a 22-member contingent for the tournament, consisting of 15 male athletes and seven female athletes.
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