Sri Lanka’s boxing community experienced a day of celebration and renewed hope with the arrival of International Boxing Association (IBA) President Umar Kremlev and his wife accompanied by the former world heavyweight champion, Roy Jones Jr. This historic visit also included the presence of IBA Brand Ambassador Zeina Nassar, Germany’s bantamweight champion, adding to the significance of the tour.

President Umar Kremlev, known for his commitment to the sport, generously donated boxing equipment, setting off a series of events that could potentially establish Sri Lanka as an international boxing hub in the near future.

Dian Gomes, Sri Lanka’s boxing chief, expressed his gratitude for President Kremlev’s support, stating, “It is a historical time for Sri Lanka. When Sri Lanka needs support, I can always count on Umar Kremlev and his team for his support for me and Sri Lanka boxing.” He further added, “We can be proud because there are 200 countries in boxing, and for a country like Sri Lanka to be recognized and accepted by him and IBA is an exceptional recognition for Sri Lanka boxing.”

Addressing the conflict between the International Olympic Committee and IBA, Gomes clarified, “We will participate in IBA tournaments, Asian Games and also in the trials for the Olympic games. There is no conflict. The conflict lies in politics. As sportsmen, we want to bring the whole world together. I know Umar will bring about a significant change where the money earned from all IBA professional boxing will go to amateur boxing athletes as prize money. For the first time in the history of Sri Lankan boxing, athletes are being taken care of. We can be very proud of that. Next year, a million dollars will be offered for a gold medal at the world championship. Each country that starves of funding, he (Umar) has promised that he will support, by providing $50,000 annually.”

Gomes emphasized President Kremlev’s efforts to revolutionize boxing by ensuring transparency, equity, and women’s empowerment. He stated, “Umar is trying to change the world of boxing and has shown confidence in our leadership in the international boxing arena. With IBA’s assistance, we have implemented new reforms and created a new constitution to propel our country forward.”

The day’s events commenced with President Kremlev’s meeting with Sri Lanka’s Minister of Sports, Hon. Roshan Ranasinghe, where he pledged his commitment to developing boxing in the country, starting with a $50,000 grant to the Boxing Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) next year.

Following the meeting, discussions were held on establishing an international training base in Sri Lanka, leveraging the country’s favourable conditions and politically neutral status to provide athletes from around the world with opportunities for training.

President Kremlev expressed the IBA’s intention to host international tournaments in Sri Lanka, including continental championships and the Asian Cup, and expressed readiness to begin working immediately by inspecting available arenas, hotels, and other venues.

Minister Roshan Ranasinghe requested support for the development of the ‘boxing in the schools’ program, where 100 schools are involved at present. President Kremlev promised to assist with the necessary sports equipment and training for the young contestants.

During his visit, President Kremlev met with national athletes, including school boxers, elite boxers from tri forces (Army, Air Forces, and Navy) and Police, before donating gloves. Addressing the boxers, he stated, “IBA is here to create conditions and opportunities for you to participate in high-level events. Our main ambition is to foster the development of boxers and provide them with opportunities to compete both locally and abroad.”

Zeina Nassar, Germany’s national bantamweight champion and IBA Brand Ambassador, shared her excitement about the progress in boxing, saying, “Boxing is a sport open for all and is not meant to discriminate. Together, we can make a change.” She was excited about the Sri Lankan Women’s Commission and had great admiration for the empowerment of women achieved by Dian in both Boxing and in the apparel sector.

Gomes expressed his gratitude to President Kremlev for sponsoring Sri Lankan boxers’ participation in the World Championships. He said, “When Sri Lanka needed to send boxers for the Women’s World Championship in India and the Men’s World Championship in Uzbekistan, I spoke to Umar, and he personally supported Sri Lanka despite our limitations. The boxers received training, which was a great step forward.”

The visit concluded with President Kremlev’s meeting with Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister, Hon. Dinesh Gunawardena. They discussed the development of national sports, particularly boxing, including the organization of international competitions and support for the National Federation.

“As IBA President, I am certain that crucial changes await us in the world of sports in Sri Lanka, and I am looking forward to the growth of the number of national team boxers in the international boxing arena,” President Kremlev stated.

A reception was hosted by Dian and Dehara Gomes at the Mount Lavinia Hotel where the Hon. Ministers, the diplomatic community, the heads of the armed forces, and distinguished sports officials attended to felicitate Kremliv’s, former heavyweight champion Roy Jones’s (Jr) and other IBA official’s.