Sri Lankan shuttle experts recorded a majestic dominance at the claiming a record overall tally of 137 medals at the CMB Masters International Badminton Championships 2026, successfully held at the AIR Sports Complex in Rajagiriya. Out of the total Sri Lanka won a straight tally of 101 medals through their experienced shuttlers, while the remaining 36 were added from collaborations in Doubles with shuttlers from other nations.

From the tally of 101, Sri Lanka claimed 22 gold, 27, silver and 52 bronze medals to lead the medals tally at the end of the five-day competition held with the participation of over 500 leading Masters’ shuttlers representing 15 countries. India finished overall second with 65 medals – 19 each of gold and silver and 27 bronze medals.

Malaysia finished behind at third with nine medals, three each of gold and bronze and a silver to their tally. Chinese Taipei, China, Nepal, Switzerland, UAE, France, Australia and Indonesia followed in behind one another to complete the medal board, while certain nations claimed medals from Doubles events collaborating with shuttlers from other countries.

Among the standout performers for Sri Lanka were Niroshan Wijekoon, Nadeesha Gayanthi, Renu Chandrika de Silva, Thushari Brahmanage, Niluka Karunaratne, Rohan de Silva, Hasitha Chanaka, Duminda Jayakody and Deshani Bandara, who were among a host of local players to produce outstanding performances throughout the tournament. Many of the leading Sri Lankan competitors are former national players who represented the country during their prime, while several are former national champions. Their continued success highlighted the depth of experience and enduring quality within Sri Lanka’s Masters badminton circuit.

The strong participation of overseas players also reflected the growing appeal of the event on the international calendar. Players from 15 countries competed in the championships, reinforcing Sri Lanka’s potential to develop sports tourism by hosting major international Masters events.

The CMB International Badminton Championships 2026, organised by Ceylon Masters Badminton (CMB), also received strong backing from the corporate sector. Some of the country’s leading companies, including McLarens Group, Mobil, Prime Group, 3M, Cool Max, Iodex, Li-Ning, Hundred, RovinAds, Seylan Bank, Sampath Bank, HNB Finance, Ceylon Biscuits Ltd, Mr. FixIt, McFoil and Elite Badminton, stepped forward as sponsors, playing a key role in the successful staging of the tournament.

A breathtaking assault from teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi powered India ‘A’ to a commanding 66-run victory over Sri Lanka ‘A’ in the final of the Tri-Series 2026, as the visitors lifted the title in emphatic fashion.

After being asked to bat, India ‘A’ piled up a daunting 377 for 9 in their 50 overs, thanks largely to Sooryavanshi’s explosive 94 off just 29 balls. The left-hander unleashed a stunning display of power-hitting, smashing 10 fours and eight sixes at a remarkable strike rate of 324.13.

Together with Priyansh Arya, who made a brisk 39, he put on 132 runs for the opening wicket in less than nine overs, leaving the Sri Lankan bowlers reeling.

Although Sooryavanshi fell agonisingly short of a century, India maintained the momentum through Ruturaj Gaikwad (40) and captain Tilak Varma, who anchored the middle overs with a well-compiled 67. Kumar Kushagra contributed 36, while Anukul Roy provided a late flourish with an unbeaten 39 from just 15 deliveries, including four sixes.

For Sri Lanka, Wanuja Sahan was the most economical bowler and claimed two wickets, while Ravindu Fernando and Kugathas Mathulan also picked up two scalps each.

Faced with a formidable target, Sri Lanka ‘A’ launched a spirited chase but were eventually bowled out for 311 in 47.1 overs. Sadeera Samarawickrama led the resistance with an attractive 52 off 44 balls, while Wanuja Sahan produced a fighting 62. Captain Sahan Arachchige chipped in with 38 and Vijayakanth Viyaskanth added 39, but the required rate continued to climb.

India’s bowlers struck at regular intervals, with Yash Thakur and Vipraj Nigam claiming three wickets apiece. Anukul Roy supported well with two wickets as Sri Lanka’s challenge faded in the closing stages.

Sri Lanka stand on the brink of a potential breakthrough at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 as they prepare for a decisive Group Stage encounter against West Indies, with a place in the semi-finals firmly within reach.

After reviving their campaign with an impressive victory over New Zealand, the Sri Lankans have injected fresh life into their tournament aspirations. The win not only boosted confidence within the squad but also placed them in a strong position heading into one of their most important matches of the competition.

A victory over the Caribbean side would leave Sri Lanka well placed to secure a coveted berth in the last four, marking a significant achievement for the women’s team on the global stage.
Captain Chamari Athapaththu will once again carry much of the responsibility at the top of the order. Although she has shown glimpses of her class in previous matches, the experienced all-rounder will be eager to convert promising starts into a substantial innings capable of steering her side to victory.

Sri Lanka’s batting depth will also be tested, with Harshitha Samarawickrama, Vishmi Gunaratne and Nilakshi de Silva expected to play key roles. Their ability to anchor the innings while maintaining scoring momentum could prove decisive in a contest where every run may carry added significance.

The bowling attack has been one of Sri Lanka’s standout features throughout the tournament. Disciplined performances and timely breakthroughs have enabled the team to remain competitive against strong opposition, and another collective effort will be required against a powerful West Indies batting line-up.

Sri Lanka can also draw encouragement from recent history. Ahead of the World Cup, they secured a bilateral series victory over West Indies, a result that demonstrated their ability to challenge and overcome the Caribbean outfit. While major tournaments often present different pressures, that success provides a valuable boost to confidence.

West Indies, meanwhile, enter the match in formidable form after registering consecutive wins in the tournament. Armed with experienced campaigners and a fearless approach, they will be determined to preserve their winning momentum and strengthen their own semi-final ambitions.

With both teams chasing a place in the knockout stage, Sunday’s showdown in Bristol promises to be one of the most significant and closely contested matches of the group phase.