It was a showcase of masterful boxing as the Pugilists from Vidyarathana College, Horana emerged champions of the TB Jayah inter schools boxing tournament recently concluded at the Pilimathalawa Central College, Pilimathalawa.
The 4 day tournament which saw the best schools pugilists battle it out for the coveted trophy can only bring joy to any follower or enthusiast of the sport because, the future seems to be in good hands. These 13 – 18 year old definitely proved that the once most popular and immensely followed sport in the 90’s is still alive with energy of the youth of this generation.
Another positive one could ponder on is the fact of the diversity in school that has developed an interest towards the sport. With the participation of schools like Sivali CC, Rathnapura and Gamini CC, Ingiriya goes to show that this sport is now being followed even in very remote regions in the country. These schools have not only participated but have also won major honors at the tournament with a display of good technique and skill. The Bantam E (48-50 kg) bout between JAV Kavishan of Vidyarathana College Horana and PHR Hanhan of Sivali CC, Rathnapura proved this point as both pugilists were strong in technique with a good sense of what they were doing. These under 16 year olds sent a strong message through their movements in the ring to the outside world showing what they are capable of.
Another surprising fact was that only one dominant school from the developed cities like Colombo and Kandy with plenty of facilities was able to obtain a podium finish apart from individual bout wins. The best boxer was SGDS Bandara of Pilimathalawa Central while the best looser was PHR Hanhan of Sivali CC, Rathnapura both towns with very limited access to resources and facilities. With 27 points Vidhyarathana College, Horana was awarded winners while Royal College, Colombo and Sivali CC, Rathnapura ended as joint Runners up with 20 points each at this 45th edition of the tournament.
Boxing seems to be once again developing and gaining popularity which is a good sign not just for the sports but also to schools where not much attention is paid to. This could be the ideal eye opener these schools longed to have for many years. One can only conclude that the future of Boxing in this country is in good hands.
