Piyal and Sanduni adjudged best boxers

Army shine bright at 97th National Boxing Championships

The 97th National Boxing Championships, organised by the Boxing Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), marked a historic milestone as it was held for the first time at the iconic outdoor venue of Galle Face Green. The event witnessed remarkable performances from seasoned campaigners and emerging talents, with Army boxers Piyal Dharmasena and Sanduni Priyadarshani clinching the prestigious Best Boxer awards.

Southpaw Piyal Dharmasena, a 34-year-old veteran with a string of international accolades, displayed technical brilliance to claim his fourth national title. In the Bantamweight (under 54kg) final, he delivered a knockout victory against 24-year-old Ravindu Jayanath Kumara of Vidyarathena SC. Dharmasena’s calculated aggression culminated in a decisive right hook, securing the Sir Henry Manning Challenge Cup for the Most Scientific Boxer of the Nationals.

On the women’s side, Sanduni Priyadarshani, 33, continued her stellar form, defeating 20-year-old Yashini Fernando in the Flyweight (under 52kg) final. Priyadarshani’s tactical superiority and precision strikes led to a referee-stopped contest in the final moments of the bout.

The championship also celebrated emerging talents, with Daniel Thisaraarachchi of Back2Fit and Yazmin Usaith of St. Sylvester’s College BC securing their maiden national titles in the men’s under 48kg and 75kg categories, respectively.

Vidyarathena SC’s Nadeeka Ranasinghe, a two-time Best Boxer at the Nationals, showcased her mastery to claim the minimum weight (under 48kg) title, earning the Dian Gomes Challenge Trophy for the Most Outstanding Women Boxer of the Year.

However, the event was not without controversy. Sri Lanka’s top male boxer, Umayanga Mihiran of Police, received the Eddie Gray Memorial Challenge Cup for his achievements but faced disqualification in the Flyweight (under 51kg) final for striking his opponent while he was down, resulting in a rare and dramatic end to his contest.

Anuruddha Shanaka Bandara, President of BASL, expressed his pride in the event, emphasizing its significance as a stepping stone toward the 2028 Olympics. “This tournament is something special, something unforgettable. It symbolises the dedication and unity that will drive us forward,” he stated, highlighting Sri Lanka’s recent successes, including medal wins in Seychelles and Taipei, and Sri Lanka’s first Asian medal in 37 years.

Chief Guest Shemal Fernando, representing the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, commended the athletes and organisers for their efforts. “Boxing combines physical endurance, strategic thinking, and mental resilience. These qualities transcend the ring, shaping individuals into disciplined and focused achievers,” he remarked, pledging the Ministry’s full support for expanding boxing across the nation.

“To the boxers who have triumphed tonight, you embody perseverance and dedication. Your journey has been far from easy, and each punch thrown reflects the countless hours of training and sacrifice. To the coaches, you are the architects of these athletes’ success, providing the guidance and encouragement that turn potential into achievement,” he added.

The championship, endorsed by the Sri Lanka Tourism Bureau and broadcast by PEO Sports, was a testament to the growing prominence of sports tourism in the country. With neutral referees and judges from South Korea, Ireland, Indonesia, and Kazakhstan ensuring transparency, the event set a high standard for future tournaments.

PEO Sports was the official broadcaster of the championship providing live coverage during the four days from January 23 to 26.

List of winners:

Men’s

Minimum (46-48kg): DH Thisaraarachchi (Back2Fit)

Fly (48-51kg): KASK Abeygunawardana (SL Army)

Bantam (51-54kg): RMP Dharmasena (SL Army)

Feather (54-57kg): PAR Prasanna (SL Army)

Light (57-60kg): RMPKK Rasnayaka (SL Army)

Light Welter (60-63.5kg): NK Padmakumara (SL Army Red)

Welter (63.5-67kg): KG Pathmasiri (SL Army)

Light Middle (67-71kg): PMLL Chandrabandara (SL Army)

Middle (71-75kg): YM Usaith (St. Sylvester’s College BC)

Light Heavy: (75-80kg) HWGP Rathnasiri (SL Police)

Cruiser (80-86kg): WAR Sandakelum (SL Army Red)

Heavy (86-92kg): PARS Roopasingha (SL Army)

Super Heavy (92+kg) MWMM Meegasthenne (SL Air Force)

Women’s

Minimum (45-48kg) RAN Pushpakumari (Vidyarathena SC)

Light Fly (48-50kg): SHSR Fernando (Independent)

Fly (50-52kg): HS Priyadarshani (SL Army)

Bantam (52-54kg): LIN Malshani (SL Air Force Kfir)

Feather (54-57kg): KAK Hansika (Vidyarathena SC)

Light (57-60kg): MPSS Cooray (SL Air Force Kfir)

Light Welter (60-63kg): WWAK THiwanka (SL Air Force Kfir)

Welter (63-66kg): YGAM Amarathunga (SL Army)

Light Middle (66-70kg): PAHC Pasyala (SL Air Force Kfir)

Middle (70-75kg): KAGN Kaluarachchi (SL Air Force Kfir)

Light Heavy (75-81kg): WGK Lalani (Sivali BC)

Heavy (81+Wkg): HADC Wathsala (SL Army)