The Antonian Badminton Club stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie among former players of St. Anthony's College, Kandy. Established as an alumni association, our club brings together individuals who share a deep passion for badminton and a strong connection to their alma mater.
From friendly matches to competitive tournaments, coaching sessions to social events, the Antonian Badminton Club provides a range of opportunities for members to engage with the sport they love and connect with fellow enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the game, there's a place for you in our community.
Whether you're interested in honing your skills, making new friends, or simply staying active, we invite you to join us in our mission to promote badminton excellence and uphold the values of sportsmanship and integrity. Membership is open to all past players of St. Anthony's College, as well as badminton enthusiasts who share our ethos.
Stay up-to-date with the latest news, events, and updates from the Antonian Badminton Club by becoming a member of the club and subscriding to our newsletter using the link ……. Join us as we continue to write the next chapter in the rich history of the Antonian Badminton Club, keeping the spirit of badminton alive and thriving for generations to come.
Inaugural meeting of the ABC was held at St. Peter's College in February 1994.
Inaugural meeting of the ABC was held at St. Peter's College in February 1994.
Badminton was recognized as a competitive sport at St. Anthony’s College, Katugastota, in 1974, and I was appointed as the master in charge cum coach by the late Rev. Fr. Aiden de Silva, the Principal. My task was made somewhat easier as I had an accomplished player in Vasantha Wijesekera, who had previously played as a team member of St. Thomas” College, Bandarawela, a leading school in Badminton at that time. We formed a senior team initially and gradually built up the junior teams. The main challenge was not having an indoor court and the practices were conducted in the outdoor court situated near the College Chapel. As the popularity of the game enhanced, another court was constructed near the Villa dormitories.
As the team members required proper training in an indoor court, we had to travel to the YMCA building in Kandy on days that the court was available. But this caused many dilemmas as the school as the school ended at 3.00 pm and the practices needed to be ended by 5.00 pm, and the time on the court was limited due to travel time by bus. I had much joy when the principal sympathized with my pleadings and allowed us to use the main hall of the College when not used for functions. The court was marked in the flat area of the hall closer to the stage. Later, we even had tournaments in the main hall.
A venture that really helped our team to improve was the initiation of the ‘Southern Tour’ in 1975. This tour consisting of friendly matches in Colombo, Ambalangoda, Galle & Matara not only gave them an opportunity to compete with the best talents in Sri Lanka but also built connections with leading Badminton playing schools in the country. With hard work, complete dedication and disciplined training, our boys gradually started earning championship titles and by the end of the decade, we were considered as the leading boys’ school in Badminton in the country. Perhaps, this maybe the reason that I was invited to be the Secretary of the Sri Lanka Schools’ Badminton Association, the position which I held for 14 years. At the same time the popularity of the game at the College reached such great heights that the sight of a boy carrying his badminton racket was far common that that of a one with his cricket bat or ball.
A venture that really helped our team to improve was the initiation of the ‘Southern Tour’ in 1975. This tour consisting of friendly matches in Colombo, Ambalangoda, Galle & Matara not only gave them an opportunity to compete with the best talents in Sri Lanka but also built connections with leading Badminton playing schools in the country. With hard work, complete dedication and disciplined training, our boys gradually started earning championship titles and by the end of the decade, we were considered as the leading boys’ school in Badminton in the country. Perhaps, this maybe the reason that I was invited to be the Secretary of the Sri Lanka Schools’ Badminton Association, the position which I held for 14 years. At the same time the popularity of the game at the College reached such great heights that the sight of a boy carrying his badminton racket was far common that that of a one with his cricket bat or ball.
The Antonians Badminton Club was formed in 1994, with me as its first president. When I had to leave the country in 1995 to take up an appointment overseas, Nirodha de Costa took over its responsibilities and along with his colleagues maintained and nurtured it through a long and difficult period. A complete revamping and revitalization are being done this year under the able leadership of Murali Prakash having identified the needs to suit the present environment and formulated a strategic plan. I am so proud that these past players who have gone on to become respected entrepreneurs and luminaries in their professional fields have come forward to form an impressive team immersing in meticulous planning with insightful thinking, with the idea of uplifting and exaltation of Badminton at the College and to have a meaningful and momentous celebration of 50 years of Badminton at St. Anthony’s College.
To be a leading force in promoting badminton excellence, fostering camaraderie, and nurturing the next generation of players, while upholding the values of sportsmanship and integrity.
Our mission at the Antonian Badminton Club is to promote excellence in badminton, foster a sense of camaraderie among our members, nurture the talents of young players, uphold the values of sportsmanship and integrity, and serve our community through the positive development of individuals, all while honoring the legacy of St. Anthony's College, Kandy.
