Badminton champs - all in one family

Methsithini Mandakini Rodrigo-16 years, Chathurya Lakdinithi Rodrigo-13 years and Yasiru Hansaja Rodrigo-10 years have made an Immense contribution to Nugegoda Royal Institute's Badminton Team emerging as champions at the Inter-International School Badminton Tournaments in February 2013 and December 2012.

Methsithini captained her school's under 19 team which became champions in 2013. She was also adjudged the best player. In 2012, Methsithini captained the under 17 team and led it to bag the championship title.

While Methsithini has a record of having emerged the champion at several other tournaments, she has maintained a high progress in academic work as well.

Her securing the highest marks in science at the Assessment Test of the University of New South Wales is proof of this.

Following her sister's footsteps, Chathurya contributed in no small way to the school's under 19 team and the under 17 team emerging victorious in 2013 and 2012 respectively. Chathurya was named the best player of the team in 2012. She was also named the best player at the under 15 championship tournament in 2011.

Chathurya captained the under 14 All Island Girls' Team "E" division which emerged as champion in 2011.

In badminton singles, Chathurya was able to bag the championship at the All Island Open Championship Tournament mid 2012.

Methsithini and Chathurya have made their marks by maintaining top position in class year after year.

They have also obtained distinction passes in Science and Maths at the assessment tests conducted by the University of New South Wales, Australia. They are equally at ease with the piano, guitar, organ and the violin and have won medals at competitions.

Not to be out done, Yasiru their brother displayed his skills with the school's under 13 team which won the championship award in December 2012. Earlier, Yasiru captained the under 10 team and played with the under 12 team. Both team emerged as champions. Yasiru is also actively involved in cricket and swimming and shows much promise in studies.

These badminton tournaments were organised by Gateway College and Stafford International School.