The city of Kandy is set to host the BASL Clifford Cup and Youth Boxing Championship at Sahas Uyana from 18-22 December, amidst elaborate arrangements and festive cheer.
The tournament will showcase some of the country’s top youth boxers aged 17-18, all vying for team honours in their respective categories.
The star attraction of the Clifford Cup will 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 Army, Navy, Air Force, and Police.
Adding to the excitement, St. Sylvester’s Boxing Club 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-48 kg) 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-57 kg) 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, 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 Clifford Cup Championship: 115 entries (78 men and 37 women). The two competitions will run concurrently beginning at 2 p.m. on each day.
In an exciting development, Peo Sports TV will provide live coverage of the tournament on their digital channels, ensuring fans across the country can witness the action as it unfolds.