Niluka raring to go

Yasaratne GAMAGE

Sri Lanka's star shuttler Niluka Karunarathne said that his sole aim was to strike hard and play at his best in order to be victorious.

The champion shuttler who will play in London Olympics in two months time, says that he dedicated years for badminton and sweat a lot despite all the obstacles to achieve this feat and he will do his best to bring honour to motherland. He said so while addressing the media at a press briefing at the 80 Club, Colombo on Monday evening.

Niluka Karunarathne addressing the media during the event. McLarens Group Managing Director Rohan de Silva, Royal College Principal Upali Gunasekara, Sri Lanka Badminton Association president Parakrama Basnayake, McLarens Director Dinesh Jayawardena and Sri Lanka National Olympic Council President Hemasiri Fernando look in.

The occasion was organized by McLarens Group of Companies to felicitate their brand ambassador, Niluka Karunarante upon his qualification for London Olympics.

He had undergone training and practice with he guidance of renowned national and international coaches which helped him to reach Olympics.

"I missed Olympics on two previous occasions and now I am going to do my best" he said. It is vital to keep in form and work according to a well organized schedule, I will be having through practice to play against the best players in the world he added. Niluka said that at present he is at the peak of his performance and would continue for anther two years. "I am sure I am at my best now and want to continue, I am physically and mentally ready for Olympic games", Sri Lanka's number one shuttler emphasized.

Asked whether he is satisfied with the service and standard of the badminton coaches in Sri Lanka, Niluka sees the need of upgrading their standards and the need to gain experience from internationally qualified coaches.

"The Olympic draw will be on June 22 and then I will know who my opponents will be and hope to work accordingly. My from and skill is important but the context and the playing conditions also are important to win a game", he stressed.

Niluka was satisfied with the sports ministry's support for his career and specially in preparing for Olympics. "I receive a monthly allowance from the ministry", he said.

Niluka, during past year and a half made a rapid progress and moved up in the WWF ranking to reach 47. He is ranked 30 out of 38 shuttlers who got qualified for London Olympic.