The Western Province Badminton Association (WPBA) has announced two new initiatives for 2026, introducing an all-island schools novice team championship and an advanced coaches’ training programme aimed at strengthening badminton development in Sri Lanka.

WPBA, affiliated with Sri Lanka Badminton and operating since 1972, said the initiatives were introduced following changes in leadership at its 2025 Annual General Meeting, with a renewed focus on expanding its contribution to national badminton development.

The association will launch an all-island schools novice team championship for players outside the top 10 rankings, targeting boys’ and girls’ teams in Under-13, Under-15 and Under-17 age groups.

The tournament will be held from June 13 to 21 across two venues — the St. Thomas Indoor Stadium in Mount Lavinia and the Mercantile Badminton Trust Indoor Stadium at Malalasekera Mawatha.

Organisers said the event is intended to provide opportunities for emerging players who have not advanced beyond quarter-final stages in ranking tournaments. Entry fees have been fixed at Rs. 10,000 per team to encourage participation, including from outstation schools.

The competition will feature prize allocations worth Rs. 1 million, alongside trophies, medals and certificates for winners and participants.

WPBA also announced an Advanced Coaches’ Training Programme for approximately 40 coaches holding Sri Lanka Badminton Level 1 coaching qualifications.

The programme will be conducted by qualified Korean coaches with experience in training world title-winning players, with a focus on court craft and match strategies.

The training will be held in two batches from June 22–24 and June 25–27 at the Mercantile Badminton Trust Indoor Courts. Selected participants will be required to pay a course fee of Rs. 10,000. (Newswire)

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