In the aftermath of the Layton Cup, which served as a pivotal selection event for the Sri Lanka pool, a glaring omission has sparked debate among boxing enthusiasts and sports pundits alike.
Leading Aircraftwoman Sajeewani Cooray, a stalwart of Sri Lankan women’s boxing and the reigning national champion, has been left out of the Sri Lankan team for next month’s ASBC Asian Men and Women Boxing Championships in Amman, Jordan. The decision is puzzling, given her exceptional credentials and recent performance, where she triumphed in two gruelling bouts against seasoned competitors in the 60kg division.
Cooray’s track record speaks volumes about her prowess in the ring. As the only Sri Lankan woman boxer to secure a victory at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, her list of accolades is impressive. She was also crowned Air Force’s Best Sportswoman in 2022 and remains undefeated on home soil. Renowned for her tenacity, formidable uppercut and keen ring-craft, Cooray embodies the essence of a battle-hardened athlete. At 34, she is at her peak, combining years of experience with an unwavering dedication to the sport.
However, the decision by the Boxing Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) selectors to exclude her from the team heading to Jordan has raised eyebrows. Cooray’s recent victory at the Layton Cup, where she defeated Kaumini Hashini and Army’s Tharindu Dasunika – both accomplished boxers – demonstrates her readiness to compete at the highest level. Yet, it appears that her efforts were not enough to secure a spot in the squad.
The national squad will benefit from a two-week international training camp ahead of the Asian Championship, a golden opportunity for athletes to hone their skills against top-tier Asian talent. For a boxer of Cooray’s calibre, the absence from this training and the subsequent championship is a missed opportunity that could have further developed her already impressive skill set.
Cooray’s exclusion isn’t the only contentious omission. Nishadi Malshani, another promising talent from the Air Force and a multiple national titleholder in the 54kg division, has also been sidelined. With both pugilists having consistently proven themselves, the selection criteria used by the BASL, particularly under the guidance of selection committee head Abdulla Ibunu, is now under scrutiny. While no athlete is without flaws, Cooray’s tenacity and track record should have warranted a place on the team, especially given the upcoming international training opportunities.
Beyond just an athlete, Muthuthanthri Patabedige Sajeewani Srimali Cooray represents the resilience and passion that are often overshadowed in the sporting world. Born in a modest fishing village in Moratuwa, she has overcome immense personal and professional challenges.
After dropping out of school, she found solace in sports, first in cricket and later in boxing, where she became an undisputed national champion just two years into her career. Her journey is marked by perseverance and grit, qualities that are essential for international competition.
Despite enduring setbacks, such as being overlooked for the 2023 Women’s World Championship, Cooray has remained steadfast in her commitment to represent Sri Lanka on the global stage.
The BASL President, Dr. Anuruddha Shanaka Bandara, has expressed intentions to send a full contingent to the Asian Championships, noting the relatively greater medal potential among women competitors. If Sri Lanka aims to enhance its medal prospects and cultivate a stronger boxing legacy, it must provide dedicated athletes like Cooray with the international exposure they deserve, is the contention of experts. The strength of a sport lies not just in the victories but also in the stories of perseverance and resilience, and Cooray’s journey is emblematic of this spirit.
In boxing, as in life, an athlete’s journey is defined by more than just victories; it is marked by the adversities they overcome. Cooray may not have been born with a silver spoon, but her dedication to boxing has provided her with a purpose and identity. Her exclusion raises pertinent questions about the long-term vision for Sri Lankan boxing and whether it genuinely prioritises nurturing talent.
In sidelining Cooray, Sri Lankan boxing risks not only losing a potential medallist but also overlooking an ambassador of the sport who inspires with her sheer willpower. As the national team prepares to make its mark in Amman, the absence of a warrior like Cooray will be keenly felt, a reminder of what could have been if talent and tenacity were given the platform they truly deserve.
