Badminton Legend Niluka Karunaratne Retires, OLY Niluka Karunaratne Foundation Launched

Niluka Karunaratne was born in the historic coastal town of Galle, in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka in 1985. He received his education at Dharmasoka College, Ambalangoda & Royal College, Colombo. His younger brothers Dinuka, Diluka & Chamika also won National Titles like their eldest sibling, Niluka.Chamika also excelled in Athletics at Junior Nationals & is a National Cap in Cricket at present. Father Louis was also a good player in Badminton & Cricket.

Introduced to Badminton at the tender age of 08 years, Niluka emerged as the youngest ever Sri Lankan National Champion on debut at the tender age of 16 years in 2001. He went onto win a record 17 Sri Lanka National Badminton Championships, the most by a Sri Lankan badminton player. He won 09 consecutive Men’s Singles titles from 2001 to 2009 – a new Sri Lanka record in the sport.

Niluka Karunaratne was the undisputed premier badminton player ever to emerge from Sri Lanka. He is also the most decorated shuttler to have represented the country, having won a record 21 medals at International events, including 09 Golds. He also holds the unique distinction of winning 05 Gold medals in 05 different Continents. Niluka reached his highest
career singles ranking 0f 34 in 2003, which is also the highest ever personal best International ranking by a Sri Lankan badminton player.

Niluka Karunaratne competed in 05 consecutive Commonwealth Games from Manchester,England 2002 to Gold Coast, Australia 2018. He was selected to Captain the Sri Lanka contingent to the Summer Olympic Games in London, England 2012. In his debut at the Summer Olympic Games, Niluka was the Sri Lankan flag bearer during the Closing Ceremony at the iconic Wembley
Arena. Niluka also competed in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 2016 & Tokyo, Japan 2021 thus becoming the only shuttler from Sri Lanka to compete in 03 consecutive Summer Olympic Games.A firebrand personality both on & off the court, Niluka Karunaratne is also a coveted recipient of the Royal Crown in the year 2001.

The launch of the OLY Niluka Karunaratne Foundation was also held concurrently at the Hemasiri Fernando Auditorium, Olympic House, Colombo. The objective was cited as supporting athletes locally & internationally, aiming to enhance the quality of sport through athlete assistance programmes. As an initial gesture of support, the fledgeling Foundation provided it’s maiden grant to OLY Yupun Abeykoon, the fastest sprinter in South Asia, who is striving to qualify for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games.

OLY Niluka Karunaratne bids farewell to the Badminton Court, leaving behind a valued legacy that will inspire generations to come, epitomizing the values of absolute perseverance and the pursuit of ultimate excellence.

Thank you for the entertainment. Congratulate you for all the successes. Wish you all the best for your future endeavors !