Dian Gomes, one of only ten Board Directors for the International Boxing Association (IBA) and the Asian Boxing Confederation (ASBC), stands prominently in both Sri Lankan and global boxing. Holding such prestigious position in an exclusive club, gives Gomes unparalleled influence in steering the future of the sport worldwide. With decades of experience under his belt, he has been the cornerstone of Sri Lankan boxing, ensuring the country’s prominence in the international ring.
“We’ve been following the same boxing process for the last 20 years and with the support from the IBA, Sri Lanka has been able to host several international tournaments,” said Gomes, who has been a key player in putting Sri Lanka on the map as a boxing hub. His leadership has allowed the island nation to become a focal point for global boxing events, nurturing and encouraging competition on an international level.
Thanks to Gomes’ strategic vision, Sri Lanka has hosted boxing teams from countries like Vietnam, Russia, India and Tanzania over the years. In May 2025, Sri Lanka will take another giant step by hosting the Under-22 Asian Boxing Championship—an event that has steadily gained global recognition since its inception in 2022.
“We’ve had tournaments with countries like Vietnam, Russia, India and Tanzania and now with the Under-22 Asian Championship on the horizon, Sri Lanka is solidifying its position as a key destination for international boxing,” said Gomes, beaming with pride. “This is the beginning of yet another exciting year for Sri Lanka’s boxing scene.”
The Under-22 Asian Championship, is ready to elevate Sri Lanka’s role in shaping the next generation of champions. It will serve as a platform for the country’s up-and-coming fighters to showcase their skills on a global stage, aided by the continued support from the IBA and ASBC.
For more than two decades, Gomes has been at the forefront of Sri Lanka’s boxing success. Under his guidance, Sri Lanka has clinched over 100 international medals, across both men’s and women’s categories. One of the country’s most notable achievement came in 2018 at the Commonwealth Games in Brisbane, where Sri Lanka bagged three bronze medals—thanks to the stellar performances of Thivanka Ranasinghe, Anusha Kodithuwakku and Ishan Bandara.
“We last won Commonwealth boxing medals in 2018 and I’m confident we will see more success soon,” said Gomes, reflecting on those victories. “Since then, we’ve been working hard to build a pathway for future champions and the results will speak for themselves.”
As the president of the Sri Lanka Boxing Association (BASL) from 2004 to 2024, Gomes’ strategic approach helped elevate the national boxing program, ensuring that Sri Lankan boxers competed at the highest level internationally.
One of the major goals for Gomes has been to return Sri Lanka to the Olympic boxing scene. The last time Sri Lanka had an Olympic boxer was in 2008, when Anuruddha Ratnayake participated. Since then, Sri Lanka has struggled to produce an Olympic-level athlete, but Gomes is committed in his belief that this goal is still achievable.
“Our aim is to see Sri Lanka represented at the Olympics once again. It’s a dream we have been chasing for years and we are working hard to make it a reality. With the backing of the IBA and ASBC, we are taking the right steps towards that goal,” Gomes shared.
As Dian Gomes’ time at the helm of BASL draws to a close, he remains dedicated to supporting the next generation of leaders in Sri Lankan boxing. His successor, Anuruddha Bandara, has been appointed as the new president of BASL and Gomes remains fully committed to ensuring that Sri Lanka’s boxing community continues to thrive under Bandara’s leadership.
