International Boxing Association (IBA) President Umar Kremlev said That the IBA and the Russian Boxing Federation, of which he is also the President, will assist in developing boxing in Sri Lanka.

During a discussion with Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at the Temple Trees yesterday (18), Kremlev thanked the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Sports for the continuous efforts to develop boxing and other sports in Sri Lanka.

The IBA President has donated a large consignment of boxing gloves to schools in Sri Lanka and they will be distributed through the Sri Lanka Boxing Federation.

The Russian Boxing Federation will support boxers in Sri Lanka to participate in international events by offering them training and financial support.

Kremlev has provided funds for Sri Lankan women boxers to participate in women’s championship in India, and will also facilitate training of women boxers in Uzbekistan for the next international championship.

The Prime Minister thanked Kremlev and the delegation for the assistance provided to develop the game of boxing in Sri Lanka.

Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake, State Minister of Sports Rohana Dissanayake, MP Yadamini Gunawardena, IBA officials from USA, former World Heavyweight Boxing Champion Roy Jones JR and Barna Zsolt, RBA officials Krishanov Alexander and Alisa Shcherbachenya, and Sri Lanka Boxing Federation Chairman Dian Gomes also took part in the meeting.