The sport won Sri Lanka its first medal with Barney Henricus doing the honours, but was floored into slumber until the birth of a new visionary who holds hopes of a new beginning:
In the landscape of Sri Lankan sports, cricket, rugby and athletics have long dominated the headlines, capturing the lion’s share of attention, funding and resources. However, one sport with a proud history of international success often remains overlooked: boxing.
In his passionate appeal to the nation, Dr. Anuruddha Shanaka Bandara, the newly elected President of the Boxing Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), is determined to change that narrative, urging the government and Corporate bodies to recognise boxing’s rich legacy and its potential to elevate Sri Lanka on the global stage.
It’s important to remember that boxing brought home Sri Lanka’s very first international medal. In 1938, Barney Henricus etched his name in history by winning the gold medal at the Sydney Empire Games, marking a turning point for Sri Lankan sports on the world stage. From 1948 to 1968, Sri Lankan boxers consistently represented the country in the Olympics, competing alongside the world’s best. Anuruddha Rathnayake’s qualification for the 2008 Beijing Games was the last time a Sri Lankan boxer reached the Olympic level. But this remarkable legacy is in danger of fading into obscurity without the necessary support.
Bandara firmly believes that it’s time for boxing to be restored to its rightful place. He emphasizes that while sports like cricket and rugby are celebrated, boxing has been sidelined despite its ability to bring pride and recognition to Sri Lanka. “We have the talent, we have the passion, but without the necessary financial backing, it will be difficult to sustain this momentum,” Bandara stated during a recent press conference.
Under Bandara’s leadership, the BASL has laid out an ambitious roadmap to reignite Sri Lankan boxing and ultimately qualify boxers for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. This vision is not just a dream but a detailed strategy focusing on grassroots talent development, increased international exposure and upgrading coaching standards. Bandara and his team have already taken significant steps, sending boxers to three international tournaments in just four months, resulting in impressive performances and multiple medals.
One standout athlete, Umayanga Mihiran, nearly qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympics despite being just 20 years old. His potential, along with that of other young boxers, underscores the importance of long-term development and international competition. The goal is clear: for Sri Lanka to once again be represented on the Olympic stage by 2028, breaking a two-decade-long absence from boxing’s greatest arena.
Perhaps one of Dr. Bandara’s most innovative ideas is his approach to marketing boxing as a quality sport accessible to a broader audience. Traditionally seen as an indoor sport, boxing in Sri Lanka has struggled to attract large crowds. However, Bandara is challenging that perception by taking the sport outdoors and to new locations.
In a bold move, the Layton Cup semifinals and finals were held on the Negombo Beach for the first time in history. The decision to host such a prestigious event in an open-air beach setting is aimed at drawing in a new, wider audience and Bandara hopes this will spark greater public interest and demonstrate the sport’s appeal beyond its usual followers.
“Boxing needs to be seen by people who may have never had the chance to watch it. That’s why we decided to bring the Layton Cup to the beach – it’s about taking the sport to the people,” Bandara said.
The event contained a unique experience, blending competitive boxing with entertainment, including DJ music and live performances, in a festival-like atmosphere.
But the changes don’t stop at Negombo Beach as Bandara is planning to hold major championships, such as the Clifford Cup and Nationals, in historic and scenic cities like Kandy and Galle, moving beyond the usual confines of the Royal MAS Arena. By decentralising boxing events and taking them to iconic locations, Bandara is not only promoting the sport but also supporting sports tourism, creating a synergy between boxing and Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.
Could this innovative approach mark a new era for boxing in Sri Lanka? Bandara believes it can. By thinking outside the box – literally and figuratively – he is setting the stage for boxing to flourish as a professional sport, with broader appeal and stronger support. His vision is not just about winning medals but transforming the sport into one that is recognised for its quality, excitement and potential to compete on the world stage.
However, for this vision to become a reality, support from both the government and the corporate sector is essential. Dr. Bandara has already personally contributed significant funding, but long-term success will require more than individual contributions. It will take a collective effort to ensure that Sri Lankan boxers have the opportunities and resources to train, compete, and succeed internationally.
“Boxing brought us our first international medal,” Bandara reminds the nation. “With the right backing, I believe we can once again make Sri Lanka a force to be reckoned with in the world of boxing.”
As Sri Lanka looks toward the future, the question remains: Will this bold vision for boxing finally receive the attention and support it deserves? If Dr. Bandara’s plans come to fruition, it could very well be the game changer that ushers in a new era for boxing in Sri Lanka, making it a truly professional sport both locally and globally.
