The inaugural Air Force Badminton Tournament was declared open by the Commander of the Air Force and the driving force behind the tournament, Air Marshal Kolitha Gunatilleke, this morning at the Air Force Health Management Centre, Tummulla.  Sponsored and organized by the Sri Lanka Air Force, the tournament is conducted by the Sri Lanka Badminton Association, and is expected to give the badminton fraternity an opportunity to take part in a competitive tournament and to promote the sport in Sri Lanka.

The Commander, on whose concept the tournament was born, declaring open the tournament said that while he expected the better player to win, he hoped that all will go back with happy and lasting memories of a great event.

The opening ceremony was also attended by the Chief of Staff, Members of the Board of Management and officers of the Sri Lanka Air Force.
 
The tournament will offer cash awards amounting to a total of Rs.400,000.  128 Nationally Ranked players have signed up for the 4-day tournament which will be played under the rules and regulations of the Badminton World Federation and the Badminton Asia Confederation.
 
The final awards ceremony will be held on  13th June at 4:30pm at the Air Force Health Management Centre, where the Commander of the Air Force will be the Chief Guest.