Godakandalage Pasindu Umayanga Mihiran, from Telijjawila in Akurugoda, Matara, made history for Sri Lanka by winning a bronze medal in the men’s flyweight (51kg) category at the ASBC Asian Elite Boxing Championships in Thailand.
This is Sri Lanka’s first men’s boxing medal at this level since 1987 when P.L.J. Ratnasuriya won bronze, breaking a 37-year drought. Mihiran’s journey ended in the semifinals after a close match against Uzbekistan’s Asilbek Jalilov, the current Asian U22 champion.
At 21 years old, Mihiran faced the skilled 20-year-old southpaw Jalilov in a highly technical bout. Mihiran started strong, using a cautious defensive style and landing precise punches in the first round. However, Jalilov gained the upper hand as the fight progressed, using his agility and tactics to outmaneuver Mihiran. In the end, Jalilov won by unanimous decision, leaving Mihiran with a bronze medal as a reward for his efforts.
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Despite the loss, Mihiran’s performance shows his potential as Sri Lanka’s top boxing talent. A first-year student at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura studying biosystems technology, he balances academics with sports and aims to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. To reach his full potential, Mihiran needs more international training, exposure, and support to refine his skills and return to his attacking style.
While Mihiran’s medal is a significant achievement, Sri Lanka’s overall performance at the Championships was disappointing. Out of the 12 boxers sent, seven reached the quarterfinals directly, but only Mihiran advanced further. This highlights the need for better preparation and support for Sri Lanka’s boxers.
Mihiran’s success is a call to action for Sri Lanka’s boxing community to invest in young talent, improve training facilities, and provide more opportunities for international exposure. His historic bronze medal not only marks a milestone for Sri Lankan boxing but also inspires hope for the future of the sport in the country.