In March 1982, the Sri Lanka Badminton Association marked a historic moment with the inauguration of its Badminton Stadium at the Sports Ministry premises in Maitland Place, Colombo 7. The grand opening was accompanied with an Under 15 Men’s Singles Badminton tournament, where the talented Antonian, Samantha Ratnayake, etched his name into the annals of Sri Lanka’s Badminton history.
The final match unfolded in the impressive 3-court Badminton hall preceding the ceremonial opening, providing a captivating spectacle for spectators. Despite facing an opponent with superior physical endurance, Samantha showcased remarkable mental finesse, intelligently deploying his racket and shuttle to secure victory. Antonian Samantha Ratnayake’s triumph in the championship was a testament to his intelligent gameplay, leaving the Antonians immensely proud of his exceptional feat in the sport of Badminton.