By Dhammika Ratnaweera
MAS Slimline and MAS Unichela emerged men’s and women’s champions at the 93rd National Boxing championship concluded at Royal college boxing arena this evening. Slimline with four gold medals and a silver earned the championship title while Army with three gold medals and five silvers ended with runners-up at the men’s national boxing championships.
In the women’s section, team from MAS Unichela dominated the proceedings to win seven gold medals to come out the unchallenged champions. Nadeeka Pushpakumari of Unichela won the best boxer award at the women’s section while best looser award was won by Police boxer Rasangika Ilangaratna.
Meanwhile Army boxer Sanjeewa Nuwan Kumara who won the 48kg weight class won the men’s best boxer award while Police boxer K.V.L Eranda won the best looser award.
Commonwealth bronze medalist Ishan Bandara of Army and Anusha Kodituwakku won the most successful boxer of the year award considering their performance throughout the year. Most successful boxing team of the year award was won by Army Boxing club.
Best boxer Sanjeewa Nuwan Kumara the Lance Corporal from Kekirawa said it wa an excting moment for him to win the highest award in this boxing national championships. “I studied at Ganthiriyagama Mahinda MV but there was no boxing at school. I started playing boxing only after I joined to Army and I am thrilled to win an award in four years of my boxing career. ” said Kumara.
Meanwhile Nadeeka Pushpakumari, the best boxer in the women’s section said when she was at Horana Vidyakara school she won the junior National boxing championship. “Unichela boxing completely change my life in sports. Coaches Amila Aravinda, Manju Wanniarachi, Kamal Sameera, Chamila Abeyratna, Ravindra Wekadapoka and Upali Samantha helped me to become a good boxer. Ukraine coach Viniko gave me important tips and I am happy for what I won today” said Nadeeka.
This years’ natioanl championship is considered as trials for selections for the next South Asian Games and most of the boxers who excelled are tipped to represent at the Games. Former Boxing President and present Vice President Aubry Pieris was the chief guest on this National championship and gave away the awards.
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