Young badminton sensation Viren Nettasinghe will be the flag bearer at the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony later this month as the Sri Lanka contingent heads to the French capital with the hope of making the country’s presence felt on the global stage.
The significant honor of carrying the flag is a testament to the dedication of the promising 21-year-old shuttler, who has etched his name in the annals of Sri Lankan sports history as the youngest badminton player to represent the nation at the Olympics.
In the build-up to the Olympics, Sri Lanka Badminton (SLB) made extensive arrangements to ensure Viren received the best possible training. Recognizing the potential and importance of his participation, SLB announced the engagement of a foreign coach to oversee special training programs tailored to Viren’s needs. These programs were designed to enhance his skills and competitiveness, ensuring he is at his peak performance when he heads to Paris.
Highlighting the collaborative efforts to support Viren, SLB has facilitated training sessions with top-tier players from the region. Notably, a former number-one singles player from India has been brought in as a sparring partner for Viren. This partnership is further supplemented by training with top Indonesian players, providing Viren with a diverse and high-caliber preparation regime.
The efforts being made to support Viren are a clear indication of Sri Lanka’s ambitions at the Paris Games.
With comprehensive training programs, expert coaching, and international collaborations, all measures are being taken to prepare him to compete at the highest level. The ultimate goal is to see him reach the medal stage, bringing glory to Sri Lanka.
As the flag bearer of the country at the opening ceremony, Viren will not only represent Sri Lanka in his sport but will also symbolize the nation’s pride and aspirations on the world stage. Viren’s role as a flag bearer is a significant honor as he is set to make his mark and inspire future generations of Sri Lankan badminton with the support of SLB and the nation behind him.