St. Anthony’s College in Katugastota launched its inaugural international badminton coaching camp on August 8, marking a new chapter in the institution’s efforts to elevate the sport regionally and nationally. The 21-day programme was conducted in partnership with the Padukone School of Badminton (PSB), an established Indian badminton academy founded under the guidance of former World No.1 and All-England champion Prakash Padukone.
The initiative aimed to foster a sustainable badminton development system by incorporating internationally recognized coaching techniques, upgraded facilities, and comprehensive player development. Approximately 50 players participated in the camp, with half representing St. Anthony’s College and the remainder drawn from other schools across Sri Lanka’s Central Province. This inclusive approach aimed to extend the benefits of advanced training beyond a single institution to a broader community of young athletes.
The programme was led by Rahul Kumar, a nationally accredited coach affiliated with the Padukone School of Badminton. Kumar’s training background includes exposure to internationally benchmarked methods that emphasize not only technical skills and match tactics but also physical conditioning, discipline, movement efficiency, and long-term athlete development.
Concurrently, St. Anthony’s College upgraded its Indoor Badminton Stadium, installing international-standard court carpeting and an enhanced lighting system to provide a modern training environment. The facility improvements complemented the coaching camp’s objective of offering world-class resources to rising badminton talent.
The camp concluded on August 29 with a series of educational sessions conducted by medical experts. These sessions addressed crucial topics such as injury prevention, athlete lifestyle management, recovery practices, nutrition, and overall sporting wellbeing. Organizers emphasized that cultivating well-rounded athletes—both physically and mentally—was a key component of their development philosophy.
The Antonian Badminton Club (ABC), the official badminton body affiliated with the St. Anthony’s College Old Boys’ Association, spearheaded this initiative. Founded in 1994, ABC comprises former players, sports enthusiasts, and supporters committed to promoting badminton within the school community. The organization continues to prioritize investment in coaching excellence, infrastructure, and holistic player development with the goal of nurturing future champions and contributing to the sport’s growth in Sri Lanka.