When most teenagers are planning what outfit to wear and which party to attend on their weekends, you will find Natasha Gunasekara intensely mastering her craft at her badminton academy in the island paradise of Sri Lanka. Eighteen-year-old Gunasekara, is one of the most promising young stars in the world of badminton and has captivated international audiences with her exceptional skills and unwavering determination.

Gunasekara’s journey in badminton began at an early age, when she discovered her passion for the sport thanks to her parents’ focus on ensuring she had a creative outlet outside of school. With relentless dedication, thousands of hours of training and a sheer hunger for success, she swiftly began to climb the ranks and gained recognition for her remarkable talent and unwavering commitment.

Petite in stature but powerfully built, Gunasekara seems wise beyond her years. Admirably balancing her academic pursuits – she has just completed her final exams at high school and hopes to read Law at University – alongside her rigorous training regimen, she exemplifies the significance of discipline and hard work.

“Badminton has taught me invaluable life lessons—resilience, discipline, and the power of focus. It’s more than just hitting a shuttlecock and overcoming your opponent; it’s about pushing my limits and constantly striving for nothing short of excellence” the fresh-faced teenage sensation said.

As interest in her profile rapidly grows, Gunasekara was recently snapped up by Powett Elite Group, a prominent UK-based Celebrity Talent, Sports, and Lifestyle Management Agency who will manage and guide the rising star’s career. The London agency is home to some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment and Gunasekara is delighted to join ranks with a portfolio of crème de la crème, a strategic move that reflects her meticulous approach to her career and the echelons of success she aspires to achieve.

The teenager’s rise in the world of badminton serves as an inspiration to young athletes, particularly to aspiring young sportswomen from regions where female athletes remain grossly under-represented.

Despite a glaring lack of funding and investment into women’s sports – in comparison to their male counterparts globally – breaking barriers and defying preconceived stereotypes have been part and parcel for this young star.

Her Managing Agent, Emma Everett, credits her client’s unwavering dedication to her craft, as the key characteristic that has catapulted her success. “Natasha has incredible discipline and concentration which is extraordinary for someone so young but that is precisely why she is destined for greatness” stated Everett.

That greatness may just be realised when Gunasekara represents her nation in the 2023 Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Junior Championships in Washington this summer, where she will compete for glory in the doubles and mixed-doubles categories against the best players in the world.

Natasha Gunasekara’s journey in badminton is a testament to her talent, resilience, and unwavering spirit. As she resolutely continues to make strides in the sport, the world eagerly awaits the tiny powerhouse’s next move and her inevitable future accomplishments.