18 Dec 2024 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
By Susil Premalal
The city of Kandy is set to host the BASL Clifford Cup and Youth Boxing Championship at the Sahas Uyana from December 18 to 22.
This premier outdoor event promises an electrifying atmosphere in the Central Hill capital as the year’s biggest boxing meet unfolds.
The tournament will showcase the country’s top youth boxers aged 17-18 and Elite boxers, all vying for team honours in their respective categories.
The star attraction of the Clifford Cup will undoubtedly be Umayanga Mihiran, who recently ended a 37-year drought by securing a Bronze Medal at the Asian Elite Boxing Championships in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
The competition will feature the 12-member Sri Lanka Team, with intense rivalries expected between defending champions Army, Navy, Air Force and Police. Adding to the excitement, St. Sylvester’s Boxing Club – a powerhouse in Sri Lankan boxing – is expected to provide stiff competition. In the Women’s category, the Air Force Team, winners of the Dian Gomes Challenge Trophy last year, will look to defend their title against determined challengers.
H. M. L. P. Jayawardana of the Army was named the Best Boxer in the Men’s category for his outstanding performance in the light flyweight (Under-48kg) final last year while in the Women’s category, K. K. I. T. Perera of the Air Force delivered an equally impressive performance in the featherweight (Under-57kg) final.
The Youth Boxing Championship will see St. Sylvester’s BC defending the General Jagath Jayasuriya Trophy in the Boys’ category while Hemamali Girls’ School, the reigning Girls’ champions, will aim to retain their crown.
All eyes will be on K. G. S. K. Heshan of St. Sylvester’s BC, last year’s Best Boxer (Men) and Chathuni Siriwardena of Hemamali Girls’ School, who was adjudged Best Boxer (Women) in the youth tournament.
Siriwardena enters the competition in sublime form having recently claimed the Best Boxer Award at the All-Island National School Games this year.
The tournament has attracted impressive participation. The Youth Boxing Championship has 140 entries (102 Men and 38 Women) and the Clifford Cup Championship: 115 entries (78 Men and 37 Women).
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