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• SLBA set to resign from IBA and join WBA

Former President of the Sri Lanka Boxing Association (SLBA) Dian Gomes says that the sport’s local governing body has theoretically resigned from the International Boxing Association (IBA) and notes that the decision is to be officially conveyed to the Lausanne-based institution.

He made this remark when asked for his response on the risk faced by Sri Lankan boxers in the event of the SLBA failing to resign from the IBA and linking up with the World Boxing Association (WBA) instead.

The risk entails the country’s pugilists being barred from competing in prestigious global events such as the Olympics, Youth Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and Commonwealth Youth Games, to name a few, all under the national flag.

However, Gomes, a household name in this country’s boxing firmament, stated that the immediate risk of Sri Lankan athletes being prevented from vying for honours at international competitions had been averted due to the theoretical decision taken by the SLBA.

“As I understand, the SLBA has taken a decision to resign from the IBA,” he told The Sunday Morning Sports while travelling to an IBA meeting in Switzerland.

“This move has to take place immediately, and I think the SLBA has to now convey it officially to the IBA; then any immediate threat posed to boxers representing the country at world competitions can be overcome.”

Gomes added that the onus was now on the SLBA, helmed by Anuruddha Shanaka Bandara, to submit an application to the Panama-based WBA over its severing of links with the IBA.

He stated that this should be done without further jeopardising the eligibility of local athletes to take part in overseas competitions. 

Asked about the allegations directed at the current officer bearers of the SLBA, the 68-year-old former President of the association refused to be dragged into the issue. He insisted that it was the responsibility of the Minister of Sports and his officials to address allegations, if any, in that regard.

It has been alleged that longstanding irregularities, malpractices, maladministration, and corruption within the SLBA have stalled its governance and the growth of the sport in Sri Lanka.

According to critics, one of the most pressing issues the SLBA has faced in recent times is its non-compliance with requirements set forth by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).

It has been alleged that sans WBA membership, the SLBA would risk losing its recognition with the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL), thus impeding local pugilists’ chances to represent the nation at global and regional competitions.

Efforts made by The Sunday Morning Sports to contact Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage proved unsuccessful as he was away in Bahrain attending the ongoing Asian Youth Games.

SLBA President Bandara too was unavailable for comment. 

(JK)