Vidyartha – Sivali win the 41st L.V. Jayaweera trophy

The Inter school All Island Boxing Tournament organized by the Sri Lanka schools boxing association contented for the L.V. Jayaweera trophy saw the completion on the 10th of June at the Jayathilake Stadium, Nawalapitiya.

The L.V. Jayaweera trophy with was held for the 41st occasion saw over 400 entries sent of which 331 young pugilists qualified for the tournament representing 68 schools from all parts of the Island from the North to the south with teams from Jaffna, Trincomalee and Hambantota making this a tournament a true All Island tournament. Organizers went on to say to ThePapare.com that “This is the highest number of participations so far at the tournament and it shows the development of the sports with young pugilists taking up the sport and schools supporting these youngsters”.

The tournament which was held in 3 age categories as; years 13-14, years 15-16, years 17-18 classified under 15 weight categories according to the age. It was a real eye pleaser to see these young pugilists box with so much heart and it was definitely visible to anyone present.

In the LIGHT (41-43KG) years 13-14 final SMKS Bandara of Nawelapitiya Maha Vidyalaya took on S Madubasha of Gamini Vidyalaya Ingiriya. It was a close bout with both little pugilists giving all they have. Both boxers showed promising technique but it was Bandara who walked away as the winner of the bout and also walking away outstanding boxer of the tournament.

Another interesting bout was between L Anurudda of Vidyartha College, Kandy and P Nayanajith of Royal College in the 17-18 years age group Fly weight (49-52 kg) weight category. Anurudda was very strong on his hooks while the pugilist from Colombo was good in his one two’s delivering short jabs effectively. After a very closely rounded bout the pugilist from the hills was awarded victor over the Royalists through a split decision from the referees.

Another noteworthy school in this tournament was the school from Rathnapura. Sivali College made a very good impression on all those present as they displayed a high skill level in all the bouts eventually ending up as joint winner with Vidyartha College. The young under 14 pugilist L Wanigasooriya who won gold in the Fly weight (35-37kg) weight category is definitely a boxer to look out for in the years to come. The technique he showed for a boxer of that age is undoubtedly bright signs for the cosporty’s sport.

According to the final points on the final day, Vidyartha College, Kandy and Sivali College, Rathnapura were awarded joint champions of the 41st L.V. Jayaweera trophy 2014 with 21 points each. 

At the end of this tournament with the talent on display one can only report to say that, Boxing is now on a path of escalation where the sport died down after the 90’s and has now found its way back as a fast developing sport in the country. These young pugilists show a lot of promise and talent. They are our future and it is these tournaments which provide the paving stones for Anuruddha Rathnayakes in the future, as the nation inches its way to the long awaited Olympic gold medal. 

The final results of the 41st L.V. Jayaweera trophy are as follows;

Final Points