The Defence Services Boxing Championship – 2025 which is a part of the 13th Defence Services Games organized by the Sri Lanka Air Force, was held at the indoor stadium of Sri Lanka Air Force Base, Katunayake. After some thrilling fights, the Army and Air Force boxing teams emerged as the champions in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively.
Nearly fifty high-standard pugilists on the island participated in the event by representing the Tri Forces – SL Army, SL Navy and SL Air Force.
Men’s Category
There were ten weight classes in the men’s competition, and the Sri Lanka Army side emerged as the champions after dominating each and every bout except a few. Finally, the army men added 8 gold medals, a silver medal and one bronze medal to their medal tally. The hosts, Air Force men, were the runners-up, and they have clinched two gold medals, four silver medals and four bronze medals. The Sri Lanka Navy took the rest of the medals to secure third place.
Lance Corporal P.A.R Prasanna of the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment, competing in the under 56 kg category, was awarded the best boxer in the men’s championship. Corporal H.A.W.K Kumara of the Sri Lanka Air Force was nominated as the ‘Best Loser’ of the same segment.
Women’s Category
In the women’s competition, there were five weight classes. Unlike the men’s segment, a shoulder-to-shoulder battle was displayed between the Army and the Air Force teams. After some exhilarating fights, the hosts, the Sri Lanka Air Force, emerged as the champions by securing three gold medals and two silver medals. Though Army women displayed a spirited effort, they had to be satisfied with the runners-up title. Army ladies managed to accumulate two golds, a silver and two bronzes. Third place in the competition went to the Sri Lanka Navy ladies.
Lance Corporal M.G.M.T Dhanika of the Sri Lanka Army Women’s Corps won the Best Women’s Boxer Award by competing in the under 57 kg women’s category. Leading Aircraftwoman L.I.N. Malshani of the Sri Lanka Air Force was adjudged as the ‘Best Loser’ of the competition in the women’s category.
