Army and Air Force dominate Clifford Cup Boxing Meet

By: M. Shamil Amit

COLOMBO, Nov 23 (Daily Mirror) - Army BC and Air Force BC emerged champions in the Men’s and Women’s categories at the 93rd Clifford Cup Boxing Championships held at the Royal MAS Arena Boxing Ring in Colombo after a lapse of three years.

The meet saw the participation of over 150 pugilists’ representing 21 boxing clubs in the island.

In the Men’s category Army BC came out victorious by winning nine Gold Medals, two Silver Medals and a Bronze Medal to bag the Clifford Cup.

Navy BC came out second having won a Gold Medal, four Silver Medals and four Bronze Medals with Air Force BC taking third slot with a Gold Medal and a Silver Medal and three Bronze Medals.

In the Women’s category Air Force BC bagged five Gold Medals and two Bronze Medals to win the Dian Gomes Challenge Trophy followed by Army BC in second place with four Gold Medals and two Silver Medals with Navy BC in third place with a Gold Medal, Silver Medal and a Bronze Medal.

Meanwhile, the reigning national champion H. M. L. P. Jayawardena of Army BC, who came out winner in the 48kg light flyweight bout, was named Best Boxer in the Men’s category.

W. M. C. K. G. I. Ariyaratne of Navy BC, who lost by a split decision in the Under-75kg category was adjudged Best Loser.

In the Women’s category, K. K. I. T. Perera of Air Force BC, the reigning national champion, two time Layton Cup winner and Best Boxer at the National Sports Festival, showed her prowess in the Under-57kg and was adjudged Best Boxer while Pubudi Vidanagamage of Police BC was selected Best Loser.

Dian Gomes, President of ABA Sri Lanka was the Chief Guest and gave away the awards.