Broken down physically and mentally, Keshani Hansika never gave up the fight outside the ring and even drove a cab in pain for a living:
In a world where boxing tests not only physical strength but also mental resilience, the name of Keshani Hansika stands out. Now 33, she is the most seasoned boxer in Sri Lanka, looking back on a 10-year journey filled with triumphs and trials.
From her international debut in 2014 to a recent ACL injury that nearly forced her out of the sport, Keshani’s story is one of undeterred ambition and sacrifice.
March 2023 marked a turning point in Keshani’s career when an injury during a sparring session in a World Championship training camp in India left her grappling with pain and uncertainty. “I was pivoting to land a hook, but my knee twisted, and I felt a sharp snap,” she remembers.
Diagnosed with an ACL rupture, the injury required surgery. Keshani reported her condition to the Boxing Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) and the Sports Ministry, yet months passed without assistance. The then BASL president Dian Gomes provided her with assistance in his personal capacity.
Stranded and unable to train or work, Keshani made a bold choice – she took up driving for a cab service to cover her living expenses. “Those were dark times,” she recalls. “Driving through the city, in pain and unsure if I’d ever box again, I had to dig deep.” It was during these drives that she met Henry Peiris, a former boxer, who empathised with her struggle and became her unwavering supporter. Not only did Peiris accompany her to government offices and help her secure a surgery date, but he also funded her operation. “He didn’t just help me financially – he gave me hope,” Keshani says.
Another lifeline came in the form of Anuradha Perera, who offered her a job at Perstaff Holding in the Katunayake BOI zone, providing the stability she desperately needed. With their combined support, she went under the knife of Dr Sahan Dewage in January 2024 at the KDU Hospital and started a slow, challenging recovery. After two months, she resumed light training, inching back into shape while continuing to drive and work. Her resilience through this period exemplified her dedication to her dreams, despite facing circumstances that would make many give up.
After months of dedicated rehabilitation, Keshani slowly began training again. Her mother and her friend from her time at MAS Nilanka Upamali took care of her during this period. With Peiris and Perera encouraging her at every step, she was back at the gym, balancing her recovery with work commitments. Her typical day became a marathon of responsibilities, leaving her job at 2 pm to train by 5 pm, and returning home late into the evening. “I had to condense months of missed training into a few weeks,” she says. Yet her determination to reclaim her place in the boxing ring remained undeterred.
By the time the 2024 Layton Cup approached, Keshani felt prepared, though cautious, to test her newfound strength. With her injury now 85% healed, she cautiously looked ahead to the future, hopeful to resume competition at her previous levels.
While her personal challenges have been immense, Keshani’s story also sheds light on the broader challenges faced by Sri Lankan boxers. “The lack of international exposure affects us all,” she declared.
Without opportunities to compete abroad regularly, Sri Lankan boxers often find themselves at a disadvantage. “We usually lose the first bout, not because of lack of skill, but because we don’t have the international experience other competitors do,” she regretted.
For Keshani, consistent international exposure could mean the difference between placing and winning, especially as she sets her sights on the Asian Championship and other future events.
Keshani’s career in boxing began in 2010, inspired by the need to channel her energy into something meaningful after the sudden passing of her father. Originally an all-rounder in cricket and other sports, she redirected her focus to boxing with the guidance of her first coach, Lahiru Vishwanath Perera. Her natural athleticism and determination quickly led to a national title streak, remaining undefeated at the 57 kg weight class from 2016 until the 2022 Commonwealth Games, where she fought in the 50 kg.
Keshani’s international medal record is equally impressive. She won silver at the 2017 Eindhoven Cup contesting four bouts, a bronze at the 2018 Indonesian President’s Cup fighting three times and another bronze at the 2019 SAF Games, bringing pride to her country and herself.
Reflecting on her 2022 Brimingham Commonwealth Games experience, Keshani notes that the drastic weight cut impacted her performance, making the fight feel like “a haze.” The setbacks, however, have only sharpened her resolve.
She is now eyeing the upcoming Asian Championships in Jordan, SAF Games next year, aiming for a medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games and eventually hopes to go professional, proving to herself and others that she still has much to give to offer.
Reflecting on the past decade, Keshani acknowledges how her trials have shaped her. “There were times I wanted to quit,” she admitted. “The injury, the financial struggles and sometimes feeling unsupported all made me question my path.”
But her job at Perstaff Holdings and the encouragement from her coaches Amila Tissera and Theekshana Dassanayake have reignited her passion. Today, Keshani feels ready, strengthened by every challenge, to chase her dreams once more.
Her vision for the future extends beyond her personal achievements. “I want Sri Lankan boxing to grow and for future athletes to have access to international training camps,” she said. Inspired by role models like 2018 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Anusha Kodituwakku, who returned from an ACL injury to win a Commonwealth medal, Keshani is determined to build a legacy of excellence.
Her journey is not just one of overcoming personal adversity – it’s a testament to her unwavering dedication to Sri Lankan boxing. With her sights set firmly on future medals and dreams of turning professional, Keshani continues to embody the spirit of a true fighter, refusing to let setbacks define her.
Her story reminds us all of the strength in persistence and the power of community support. For Keshani, each bout is another step forward and each challenge a reminder of the glory she aims to bring to her country.
