SLB felicitates history-maker Viren ahead of Paris Games

Viren Nettasinghe (left) with SLB President Rohan de Silva    

By Susil Premalal

Viren Nettasinghe, the young badminton sensation who will carry the national flag at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games opening ceremony on July 26, was felicitated by Sri Lanka Badminton (SLB) at an event held at the 80 Club in Colombo.

The felicitation ceremony was attended by SLB President Rohan de Silva and several key officials from SLB and various other entities.

Viren, who began his journey on court at the tender age of seven, is a past pupil of St. Peter’s College, Colombo. He has proved over the years through his dedication and natural talent that he is a dominant force in the badminton scene in Sri Lanka.

Viren’s prowess was showcased during his school years when he clinched the Junior National Title for three consecutive years from 2017 to 2019, an impressive feat that laid a solid foundation for his future in badminton.

At just 15 years old, Viren embarked on his international journey in 2018, gaining precious experience. By 18, he had turned professional and entered the global stage with a world rank 837.

His rise in the international rankings was solely due to his dedication and commitment as he climbed to an impressive world rank of 70 in just a short period.

Viren’s list of international achievements is both extensive and remarkable. He became the first and only Sri Lankan player to win an International Challenge Medal at 18 and the first to reach a final or gain a medal at any badminton tournament in Indonesia for Sri Lanka.

By the age of 20, he had secured five International Challenge Medals, a record in Sri Lankan badminton history. Viren made history by becoming the youngest shuttler to earn direct qualification to the Paris Olympics.

This significant achievement also makes him the youngest Sri Lankan badminton player and the youngest ever Sri Lankan athlete in any sport to secure a direct qualification for the Olympic Games.

Among the notable opponents who Viren has defeated are: Ade Resky Dwicahyo (National Champion of Azerbaijan and 2024 Paris Olympian), Georges Julien Paul (National Champion of Mauritius and 2024 Paris Olympian), Anuoluwapo Juwon Opeyori (National Champion of Nigeria and 2024 Paris Olympian), Fabian Roth (National Champion of Germany and 2024 Paris Olympian), Chirag Sen (National Champion of India), Jason Gunawan (National Champion of Hong Kong), Callum Smith (National Champion of Scotland) and Tharun Mannepalli (India National runner-up).

Viren, who will be the youngest flag-bearer in Sri Lanka’s history at the Olympics, along with the rest of the Sri Lankan contingent, departed for France on Wednesday.