On an initiative by the Sri Lanka Embassy in Riyadh, the Trinity College Kandy Old Boys’ Association in Saudi Arabia (TCK OBA KSA), in coordination with the Embassy, hosted the first-ever Badminton Tournament of its kind on 02 May 2025 for the Sri Lanka “Ambassador’s Cup”. The event marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia and saw active participation from the Sri Lankan community in Riyadh.
The tournament brought together over 120 players from across the country, grouped into six teams, and was held at the Saudi International Courts in Riyadh. Competitive matches and knockout rounds culminated in a thrilling final between the best doubles teams, who competed for the prestigious first-ever Ambassador’s Trophy.
Speaking at the gathering, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Ameer Ajwad emphasized the importance of organizing such sports events to provide a platform for Sri Lankan expatriates to gather and celebrate the country’s diversity through sportsmanship. The Ambassador also thanked the Trinity College Kandy Old Boys’ Association in the Kingdom for their unwavering support to the Embassy in promoting the welfare of the Sri Lankan community in Saudi Arabia.
The President of TCK OBA KSA Ruxshan Juhardeen stated that the event reflected the enduring spirit of Trinity College and the strength of the Sri Lankan community in the Kingdom. He also thanked the Sri Lanka Embassy in Riyadh for initiating the new tradition of the “Ambassador’s Cup Badminton Tournament” to provide a platform for badminton players in the Sri Lankan community in Riyadh. Juhardeen expressed TCK’s intention to make the event an annual tradition.
The winners were presented with trophies, and all participants were awarded certificates signed by the Ambassador.
Last year, the Sri Lanka Embassy in Riyadh initiated a Cricket Tournament for the Ambassador’s Cup, where 25 Sri Lankan community cricket teams in Riyadh participated to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Riyadh
19 May 2025
