Badminton is a dynamic game where the focus, control and instant reaction matter the most to make the victory in the arena. In this exciting sport, the name Niluka Karunarathne stands on top as one of the all-time greatest personalities in Sri Lankan badminton who embellished the whole nation. Adding more value to that, Niluka is ready to make his third appearance at the Olympics representing Sri Lanka at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Since his childhood, badminton was not a strange sport for Niluka and his brothers as his father, Louie Karunaratne, was a well-known national badminton player. Under the guidance and immense experiences of his father, Niluka started his life with the racquet and shuttlecock at the age of 8 and improved his skills from Dharmashoka College and Royal College showing high colors in badminton.
Niluka made his debut at the national level in 2001 at Sri Lankan Badminton Nationals and there he put on a show with his racquet by prevailing the Sri Lankan national badminton championship at the age of 16, being the youngest ever to do so. Since then, Niluka kept his dominance at the national level of the game and claims the most consecutive number of national men’s singles titles. When he announced his official retirement from his national events this year, he has deserved a total of 17 victories in the national championship.
He sparkled out his excellence in the international arena at Puerto Rico International in 2011 by winning the men’s singles championship. Niluka was a flag bearer for Sri Lanka at his maiden Olympic appearance in the 2012 London Olympics, also being the captain of the Sri Lankan contingent. There he made an outstanding milestone in his carrier, by outplaying the world's 8th ranked player Kenichi Tago and was considered as "The Biggest Win for Sri Lankan Badminton."
Earlier this year, Niluka had to struggle against the Covid-19 but this courageous player didn’t let a virus ruin his legendary carrier. Showing a tremendous spirit after recovering from the Covid-19, he is now ready to mark his 3rd arrival for the Olympics in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, dreaming of achieving his first ever Olympic medal. This event is also likely to be the ultimate representation of Niluka’s international career as well. So MoraSpirit wishes him all the very best to glow up his name in front of the world and bring glory to our motherland.
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