Sri Lanka is preparing to compete in the prestigious ASBC Asian U22 and Youth Boxing Championship, set to kick off in Astana, Kazakhstan from April 25 to May 8. With over 400 boxers from 24 countries participating, Sri Lanka has selected four promising contenders to vie for medals at the continental event.
Leading the Sri Lankan contingent is Mihiran Umayanga, the current flyweight champion and a member of the Police boxing team. Joining him are former S Thomas’ boxer Yasidu Premaratne Salmaan Faris, and the talented schoolboy Heshan Jayasinghe, representing St Sylvester’s College. Mihiran Umayanga, also the team captain, counts an impressive track record, reigning as the national champion in the 52kg flyweight category. A standout performer, Mihiran has previously clinched the Best Boxer title at both the All Island Schools Games 2022 and the National Championship 2023, in addition to securing a gold medal at a recent tournament in Malaysia.
Former Thomian Yasidu Premaratne, competing in the 60kg lightweight category, brings his own achievements to the ring, having been named Best Boxer at the Stubbs Shield All-island School Boxing Championship. He also secured a silver medal at the International Boxing Tournament in Malaysia, alongside Mihiran’s gold.
Salmaan Faris, another promising contender, has marked his presence with victories at prestigious meets such as the LV Jayaweera Meet and TB Jayah Meet. His success extends to the international ring, where he clinched a silver medal at the 2023 International Boxing Tournament in Malaysia.
Sylvestrian Heshan Jayasinghe, the youngest member of the team, represents the future of Sri Lankan boxing. Despite his age, Jayasinghe has already made a name for himself, winning the Schoolboy Championship in 2018 and securing consecutive victories at the Stubbs Shield Meet in 2022 and 2023.
The success of Sri Lanka’s participation in the championship is attributed to the efforts of Dian Gomes, President of the Amateur Boxing Association. Gomes’s strategic interventions secured crucial financial support from Umar Kremlev, President of the International Boxing Association, ensuring the team’s participation in the event. Experts commend Gomes’ leadership and diplomatic skills in securing direct backing from the international body, setting the stage for Sri Lanka’s boxing hopefuls to shine on the continental stage.
Sajeewa Jayakody