Sports
Hasitha, Ishara savour Layton Cup success
Sri Lanka Police boxer Hasitha Nuwan Jinadasa, a four-time Stubbs Shield champion and a Dharmaraja College alumnus, earned the prestigious Layton Cup, awarded to the Best Boxer since 1942, after a hard-fought win in the minimum weight (48kg) category at the 82nd Layton Cup Boxing Championship, concluded on Saturday at Browns Beach, Negombo.
Known for his defensive prowess, Jinadasa edged out Daniel Tissaaratchy of Back2Fit in a closely contested bout, using counter punches to secure a split-decision victory at the event organised by the Boxing Association of Sri Lanka (BASL).
Jinadasa also received a gift voucher worth Rs. 50,000 from Arpico and a return ticket to Singapore from SriLankan Airlines.
In the flyweight (51kg) category, Police’s Umayanga Mihiran delivered a masterclass performance, knocking out last year’s Layton Cup winner, Navy’s Gayan Indika Bandara. The 21-year-old Mihiran showcased his speed and precision, ultimately forcing a stoppage in the second round after Bandara was deemed unable to continue.
Among the women, Air Force’s Ishara Thushari Perera earned the title of Best Boxer with her tactical superiority and skill, which helped her easily outpoint Army’s Dilani Silva. Perera, who holds a national championship title, used her reach advantage effectively, showcasing her technical acumen. She was awarded a gift voucher worth Rs. 50,000 from Arpico for her stellar performance.
The finals also saw impressive displays from Yazmin Mohamed Usaith in the middleweight (75kg) category, who triumphed over Army’s K.G. Pathmasiri. Meanwhile, Army’s Sanduni Priyadarshani secured the flyweight (52kg) title, showcasing her dominance against Police’s Maleesha Widanagamage. Vidyarathana SC’s Keshani Hansika (57kg) and Air Force’s Sajeewani Cooray (60kg) also stood out with commanding performances, signalling a bright future for Sri Lankan boxing.
This year’s Layton Cup, set against the backdrop of the Negombo coast, has redefined the Sri Lankan boxing landscape, with athletes and fans alike hoping it signals the start of a new era for the sport in the country.
A large crowd of boxing enthusiasts, including dignitaries such as Dr. Rear Admiral Shemal Fernando (rtd), Director General of the Department of Sports Development, gathered to witness this unique event.
BASL President Anuruddha Shanaka Bandara praised the efforts of BASL Vice President Eric Perera, Senior Superintendent of Police, Negombo Division, for successfully implementing the concept of popularising boxing beyond Colombo. Bandara reiterated his vision of sending Sri Lankan boxers to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and this tournament marked a step in that direction as BASL hopes to form a national boxing pool for the first time in eight years.
The BASL selection committee, led by Abdulla Ibunu, were in attendance with BASL selecting a national boxing pool for the first time in eight years, athletes are also competing for a chance to represent Sri Lanka at the ASBC Asian Elite Boxing Championships in Jordan this November.
The finals, featuring 21 bouts across all men’s and women’s weight classes, were fiercely contested, with standout performances from both veteran and emerging athletes. The meet’s main sponsors, including 3R International, Melwa, and Pyramid Lanka Pvt Ltd, provided support, while Colombo Gem Bureau awarded cash prizes to male and female winners. The tournament’s best boxers were selected by international technical officials headed by the Technical Delegate of the event Capt. R.K. Indrasena (rtd).
K.K. Ishara Thushari Perera receiving her award
List of winners
MEN
48kg: T. Hasitha Nuwan Jinadasa (Police)
51kg: G.K.P. Umayanga Mihiran (Police)
54kg: G. Jayanath K. Ravindu Kumara (Vidyarathana SC)
57kg: P.A. Rukmal Prasanna (Army)
60kg: R.M.P.P.K. Rasnayaka (Army)
63.5kg: H.A. Hansa Dilsara Hettiarachchi (Navy Bismark)
67kg: P.S.P. Suranga Fernando (Army)
71kg: I.P.D. Chinthana Udayakumara (Air Force)
75kg: Yazmin Mohamed Usaith (St Sylvester’s Boxing Club)
80kg: J.M.I.P. Pathum Pushpakumara (Army Red)
86kg: Y.S. Prathap Sudamma (Army)
92kg: P.A. Rukman Sanjeewa Rupasingha (Army)
+92kg: U. Amitha Avishka (Army)
WOMEN
48kg: R.A. Nadeeka Pushpakumari (Vidyarathana SC)
50kg: K.K. Ishara Thushari Perera (Air Force)
52kg: H. Sanduni Priyadarshani (Army)
54kg: L.I. Nishadi Malshani (Air Force)
57kg: K.A. Keshani Hansika (Army)
60kg: M.P.S. Sajeewani Cooray (Air Force)
66kg: W.W.A.K. Thiwanka (Air Force)
75kg: K.A.G.N. Kaluarachchi (Air Force)
World 5,000m silver medallist Mohamed Katir has received a four-year ban for tampering after he was found to have falsified travel documents submitted during an investigation into missed doping tests.
The 26-year-old Spaniard was suspended for two years by the Athletics Integrity Unit [AIU] in February for missing three doping tests in 12 months. But during its investigation the AIU discovered that on the date of one of those missed tests, 28 February 2023, Katir had altered his travel itinerary, boarding pass and booking confirmation in an attempt to mislead investigators who were looking into where he was that day.
The AIU requires athletes to log their whereabouts external to assist unannounced out-of-competition tests.
The four-year ban will run concurrently with Katir’s previous sanction, extending his suspension until February 2028.
“There can be no doubt that the athlete put forward a false version of events and altered documents,” concluded the AIU’s disciplinary tribunal. “He did so in order to persuade WA (World Athletics) that his filing failure on 28 February 2023 should not be treated as a whereabouts failure.”
Katir, who won World Championship bronze in the 1500m in 2022 and silver in the 5,000m in 2023, will miss the Worlds in Tokyo next year and Beijing in 2027.
The AIU asked for Katir’s results from 9 March 2023 onwards to be disqualified but that was rejected by the disciplinary tribunal because the timing of his whereabouts failure did not offer a “competitive advantage which affected his results”.
The head of AIU Brett Clothier said the ruling underscored the seriousness of tampering.
“Gone are the days in athletics when explanations offered in anti-doping cases are just accepted at face value,” said Clothier. “Thanks to strong investment in investigations, since its inception in 2017, the AIU has prosecuted 25 tampering cases.
“The vast majority of our elite athletes respect the strict rules and processes of the sport and they should take heart at the action being taken to ensure a level playing field.”
[BBC Sports]
Australia have dropped Nathan McSweeney and called up 19-year-old opener Sam Konstas to replace him for the final two Tests against India.
New South Wales’ Konstas is in line to become Australia men’s youngest Test batting debutant since Ian Craig in 1953.
McSweeney was preferred to Konstas at the start of the series but he managed only 72 runs across six innings at an average of 14.40.
Australia’s chief selector George Bailey said Konstas’ selection offers the chance to “throw something different” at India’s bowling attack.
“I think Sam’s method and style is different to Nathan’s, should we go down that path,” he said.
Earlier this season Konstas scored two centuries against South Australia in the Sheffield Shield, becoming the youngest player to do so since Ricky Ponting in 1993.
Should the right-hander be picked, he would become Australia’s youngest Test debutant since current skipper Pat Cummins, who was 18 years and 193 days when he played against South Africa in 2011.
Seamer Jhye Richardson, who last played a Test in the 2021-22 Ashes, has also been recalled with Josh Hazlewood out injured.
Fellow quick Sean Abbott and all-rounder Beau Webster, both uncapped at Test level, have been retained in the squad, having been called up previously in the series but not selected in the XI.
Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne, who, like McSweeney, have struggled at the top of the order, have retained their places in the squad.
The Boxing Day Test in Melbourne starts at 23:30 GMT on 25 December with the series tied at 1-1.
Australia squad for final two Tests v India: Pat Cummins (captain), Travis Head, Steve Smith, Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster
[BBC]
Under 19 Cricket
by Reemus Fernando
St. Peter’s took complete control of their Under 19 Division I Tier ‘A’ tournament match against Gurukula after rattling the visitors’ batting lineup for just 66 runs at Bambalapitiya on Friday.
Speedsters shared five wickets to give Petes the advantage. Joshua Sebastian took four wickets, his best figures so far in the season, as Gurukula were made to toil for runs.
Dilana Damsara who took two wickets later made the top contribution of the day with the bat for the home side to reach 152 for six wickets at stumps.
This is the third tournament match for St. Peter’s who will be eager to record an outright victory today. Gurukula are playing their fifth match of the tournament. They too are yet to record an outright victory in the tournament proper.
While St. Sebastian’s College Katuneriya dominated their Tier ‘B’ tournament match against Tissa Central Kalutara at Katuneriya, Sri Lanka Under 19 skipper Vihas Thewmika helped Thurstan take command against D.S. Senanayake in their traditional match as he took five wickets on his return from junior national duty in the Asia Cup.
Thewmika took five wickets to restrict the home team to 216 runs at the D.S. Senanayake ground. In reply Thurstan were 140 for one wicket at stumps with Tanuja Rajapakse unbeaten on 64 runs.
At Katuneriya, Tissa Central were facing an uphill task as 20 wickets fell on day one.
Petes in control at Bambalapitiya
Scores
Gurukula 66 all out in 30.2 overs (Poorna Kalhara 22; Joshua Sebastian 4/17, Tharin Senvidu 2/19, Dilana Damsara 2/08)
St. Peter’s 152 for 6 in 43 overs (Dilana Damsara 40, Nathan David 20, Joshua Sebastian 31; Tharusha Kodikara 2/56, Thathsara Eshan 3/37)
Thewmika leads Thurstan with five wickets
Scores
DSS 216 all out in 78.4 overs (Bihan Gamage 27, Janindu Ranasinghe 22, Malitha Perera 24, Shanal Binuksha 36, Sohan Yapa 42; Vihas Thewmika 5/65, Thishen Wickramarathne 3/45)
Thurstan 140 for 1 in 26 overs (Dinal Induwara 51, Tanuja Rajapakse 64n.o., Sethru Fernando 22n.o.)
Tissa struggle at Katuneriya
Scores
Tissa 84 all out in 33 overs (Nadun Asela 37; Maheesha Sithum 2/32, Vihanga Theekshana 3/20, Tharuka Manaram 2/13, ) and 1 for no loss in 1.2 overs
St. Sebastian’s 167 all out in 58.3 overs (Menura Akarshana 34, Naveen Nethsara 26, Maheesha Sithum 50; Tharuka Saminjith 4/39, Malindu Dilshan 4/41)
US House votes to avert government shutdown
World silver medallist Katir handed four-year ban
Australia call-up Konstas, 19, for Boxing Day Test
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