National squash champion Ravindu Laksiri to get foreign exposure
The nine time National squash champion Ravindu Laksiri is expected to get overseas training to develop his skills .The 25 year old Laksiri who defeated Shamil Wakeel by 3-1 at the 41st National squash Championship last Sunday to take the title for the ninth consecutive time also created history by winning National title in a row from 2013.
I played my game with more confidence at this Nationals too I lost first set against Wakeel 7/11 but fought back strongly to win next three sets 11/2,11/4,11/6 to take major title for ninth consecutive time. No one from Sri Lanka has won this title nine in a row. It’s not an easy task but the way I work hard for my training especially under the guidance from Sri Lanka’s most experienced coach Yasmin Zarook I did it in grand style said Laksiri after getting his ninth National victory.
Former National champion Saman Thillakaratne won national titles 13 times but he couldn’t get that in consecutive years while Gihan Fernando six times,Navin Samarasinghe who was one time Laksiri’s coach won eight times and he is the only champion won five in a row and now the record is being held by Laksiri with nine in a row All former National champions Thillekaratne, Fernando and Samarasinghe currently based in overseas countries .
Laksiri making a strong point said I haven’t any fight against Sri Lankan opponent with my abilities but when I play with foreign players it would be good exposure for me . That’s why I request from Squash Federation officials to arrange overseas training as soon as possible especially this year we have to play Asian Games , Commonwealth Games ,World Doubles tournament as well as Asian team championship.I also want to make an appeal to Sport Ministry and get valuable overseas training in either Egypt,England or the USA .
Laksiri a product from D.S Sensnayake College Colombo from Grade three has won the DS Lion award for the best athlete of the year for three consecutive years at the school sports colours ceremony. Ravindu is the only student to have won the DS Lion award three times. (2013,2014 & 2015).Having started under the guidance of Chandana ,Mohan then I got the training from Chaminda Thalagala and Navin Samarasinghe all these coaches and present coach Yasmin Zarook who is the Asian Squash Federation level three highest qualified coach gave me the strength to go forward.
“I won the junior National championship three in row from 2012 to 2014 while I won the bronze at the Milo All star junior championships in Malaysia in 2008 and these junior achievements was a real boost to me .I also got opportunity to represent 2013 Asian youth Games where I recorded my highest achievement at the international junior level is fifth place.
In addition I have taken part in South Asian Games 2016 and 2019 and won bronze medals at team event and also got honour to lead the side while represented Commonwealth Games in 2014 and 2018 where I finished 17 and looking for third one this year ,Asian Games in 2014 ,Asian men’s individual squash championship and Asian youth Games in 2013,world squash doubles championships in 2018 while I had good memories at 2019 world doubles championship where I finished with ninth place and my best achievement as plate champions at Asian Senior championship 2015 in Kuwait I always very keen to take part in international tournaments. I knew our standard against overseas players if I get opportunity to practice with foreign players it’s real chance for me that’s why I request overseas training to go forward added Laksiri.
Actually after i left school I am employed at Brandix Company and I never forget they always give good support to me. My parents and my brother and my late father those days really encouraged me to come up. I used to play Badminton first but my brother who played squash earlier and I was very keen to watch his training and later decided to start this sport and the way I reached this level I am satisfied and the credit should go to all my coaches said Laksiri.
“Actually now I have entered the world rank system and my target is to improve that especially this National win also considered for my rankings and my final ambition is to bring honour for my country and at least reach world best 50 rankings said Ravindu Laksiri the player who is expected to go forward with more confidence.