The ASBC Asian Elite Men and Women Boxing Championships in Chiang Mai, Thailand, showcased the skill and determination of 210 boxers from 21 nations, with Sri Lanka having its largest-ever contingent of 12 athletes.
While the tournament highlighted the growing potential of Sri Lanka’s boxing talent, it also underscored the need for better preparation and support to capitalise on opportunities at an elite level.
Sri Lanka’s standout moment came from 21-year-old flyweight (51kg) boxer Umayanga Mihiran, who secured a place in the semifinals and assured the nation of at least a bronze medal. His achievement marks a historic milestone, making him the first Sri Lankan male boxer to win an Asian Elite Championship medal since P.L.J. Ratnasuriya’s bronze at the 1987 edition in Kuwait City.
Mihiran advanced to the semifinals with a composed and tactical victory over Malaysia’s Muhammad Abdul Qayyum, showcasing precision, ring control and discipline.
Mihiran’s semifinal bout on Sunday against Uzbekistan’s Asilbek Jalilov, the reigning Asian U22 champion, promises to be a stern test. Jalilov, fresh from defeating the Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist and world champion Saken Bibossynov, represents the high calibre of competition at this tournament. A victory for Mihiran could elevate him to even greater heights, potentially surpassing Ratnasuriya’s achievement.
Despite Mihiran’s success, the overall campaign revealed a lost opportunity for Sri Lanka, which had seven boxers advance directly to the quarterfinals via byes. Six of them managed to progress further, highlighting the challenges faced by the team. Among the quarterfinalists, Nuwan Jinadasa (48kg) was overwhelmed by Japan’s Kazuma Aratake, while Ravindu Kumara (57kg) fell to Uzbekistan’s powerhouse fighter in a decisive second-round stoppage. Their losses underscored the technical and tactical gap that Sri Lanka must bridge to compete with the region’s best.
In the women’s division, Sri Lanka’s boxers displayed resilience but were outclassed by experienced opponents. Keshani Hansika (57kg), competing after a long hiatus due to knee surgery, struggled against Riza Pasuit from the Philippines who was winner of the Thailand Open, while Yazmin Mohammed Usaith (75kg), at just 20 years old, narrowly lost to Chinese Taipei’s Liu Cheng-En in a spirited performance. Debutants Ishari Perera (50kg) and Sanduni Priyadarshani (52kg) showed glimpses of potential but could not secure victories against seasoned adversaries.
The tournament provided valuable exposure for Sri Lanka’s boxers but also highlighted areas for improvement. With better support systems, international training opportunities, and robust preparation, Sri Lanka’s athletes can aspire to achieve greater success in future competitions.
As the tournament heads into its final stages, Mihiran’s semifinal appearance offers a glimmer of hope for Sri Lanka. His success serves as a testament to individual brilliance amid broader team struggles and a reminder of the untapped potential within Sri Lanka’s boxing ranks.
