Vidyarathana University College boys’ boxing team: (from left): Jaindu Bimsara, PV Prabashwara, Asleesa Akeerna, Jithum Nethsara, KMM Bandara, Amila Aravinda (Coach), Binul Dulnada, Nadeeka Ranasinghe (coach), Anuhas Ravihara, Savindu Vibashana, H A Aloka, Sadusha Sathmina.
Vidyarathana University College Horana and Kalupahana Maha Vidyalaya Kalutara were the champions in boys’ and girls’ boxing at the the second Western Province Boxing Championship, organised by the Sri Lanka Schools Boxing Association, which took place at Mariyam Girls College in Colombo 2.
In the boys’ category, Vidyarathana boxers, coached by former National Boxing Coach Amila Tissera, excelled bagging four gold medals, one silver medal, and two bronze medals.
Zahira College Colombo came second with four gold medals and two bronze medals, followed by Nalanda College Colombo securing the third spot with three gold medals, two silver medals, and two bronze medals.
Abdur Rahman Shahid of Zahira College was declared the Best Boxer of the championship in the boys category, while WS Ranasinghe of S Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia earned the title of Best Loser.
On the girls’ side, Kalupahana Maha Vidyalaya emerged as champions, clinching six gold medals and two bronze medals. Pallewela Maha Vidyalaya of Gampaha claimed the second position with three gold medals and one bronze medal, and Viharamaha Devi Balika Vidyalaya Kiribathgoda secured third place with two gold medals, two silver medals, and two bronze medals.
KG Herath of Gateway College Colombo was named the Best Boxer in the girls’ division, while DD Nuwanya of St Joseph’s College Negombo was recognized as the Best Loser.
The championship saw participation from over 40 schools across the three districts of the Western Province – Colombo, Gampaha, and Kalutara, highlighting the growing enthusiasm for boxing among both boys and girls.
Sajeewa Jayakody