Niluka retires after winning 17th national singles shuttle title

By Susil Premalal

Niluka Karunaratne and Hasini Ambalangodage emerged men’s and women’s singles champions at the 68th National Badminton Championship yesterday.

Karunaratne outplayed Rasindu Hendahewa in straight sets 21-17, 21-16 in the men’s singles final while Ambalangodage overcame Hasara Wijayaratne in straight sets 21-14, 21-9.

Two-time Olympian Karunaratne has won the national title for an unprecedented 17th time. He has decided to retire from domestic competition after this triumph.

Karunaratne also won the men’s doubles title partnering his brother Dinuka defeating the pair of Rahan Wijesinghe and Lakindu Ranaveera in straight sets 21-17, 23-21.

The women’s doubles title was won by Hasini Ambalangodage and Kavidi Sirimannage.they defeated the pairing of Achini Rathnasiri and Upuli Weerasinghe in straight sets 21-19, 21-18.