Asil Murajudeen, the 16-year-old gold medalist from Zahira College in the All Island School Games, is set to begin his first international boxing venture. Asil, a consistent champion in the All Island School Games Boxing Tournament for the past two years, will be representing Sri Lanka in the IBA World Junior Boxing Championship.
The championship is scheduled to take place in Yerevan, Armenia, from November 22 to December 4.
Asil, who competes in the 60kg weight category, earned his spot in the prestigious event through the selection made by the Sri Lanka National Boxing Selection Committee.
The selection committee, led by former Sri Lanka Army Commander General Jagath Jayasuriya, also included Dr. Tharanga Arukkgoda, Udeni Kiridena, and Susantha Weerasena. Asil’s journey will be guided by Coach Abdulla Ibunu, the Secretary of the Sri Lanka Boxing Association, and Manager Amila Thandakkara, the Principal of Pelmadulla Dharmaloka Maha Vidyalaya in Ratnapura.
This tournament holds special significance as it marks the return of the IBA Junior World Boxing Championships after an 8-year hiatus in the calendar. The last junior events were held in 2015 in St Petersburg, Russia, for men and Chinese Taipei for women. This time, the championship will bring together young boxers aged 15-16 from around the world in Armenia’s capital, competing in 13 junior men’s and 13 women’s weight categories.
Asil Murajudeen’s participation reflects the talent and dedication of young Sri Lankan athletes, and the nation eagerly anticipates his performance on the international stage.
SAJEEWA JAYAKODY