Sri Lanka’s Umayanga Mihiran clinched a historic bronze medal in the men’s flyweight (51kg) category at the ASBC Asian Elite Boxing Championships yesterday.
Mihiran ended a 37-year medal drought for the country in men’s boxing at this level. The last medal came in 1987 when P.L.J. Ratnasuriya won bronze in Kuwait City.
Mihiran’s valiant run ended in the semifinals against Uzbekistan’s Asilbek Jalilov, the reigning Asian U22 champion, in a fiercely contested bout. Despite a determined effort, Mihiran lost by unanimous decision, with all five judges scoring the match 30-27 in Jalilov’s favour.
The 21-year-old Sri Lankan excelled against the 20-year-old Uzbek southpaw. Mihiran used a cautious, defensive strategy, keeping a high guard while trying to land precise punches. He started strong, connecting with sharp jabs and powerful right hands, controlling the centre of the ring. However, Jalilov’s agility and tactical brilliance gradually turned the fight in his favour.
In the second round, the Uzbek fighter used his speed and movement to avoid Mihiran’s attacks and score with counterpunches. Despite Mihiran’s determined attempts, Jalilov’s elusiveness and ring intelligence secured him the win.
Although disappointed, Mihiran accepted the bronze medal with pride. A first-year biosystems technology undergraduate at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, he has balanced academics and sports with remarkable success. Having come close to Olympic qualification, Mihiran is now focused on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Sri Lanka sent its largest-ever boxing team of 12 to the Championships, but Mihiran was the only one to reach the semifinals. The other seven boxers, who advanced to the quarterfinals via byes, fell short, highlighting the need for improved preparation and performance at this elite level.
SAJEEWA JAYAKODY