CHIANG MAI, Thailand: (ePRESS) – Sri Lanka’s hopes at the ASBC Asian Elite Men and Women Boxing Championships in Chiang Mai, Thailand, took a hit on Thursday as two boxers, Hanwellage Sanduni Priyadarshani and Kasthuri Arachchige Keshani Hansika, were knocked out in the quarterfinals, leaving the country’s medal hopes resting on Umayanga Mihiran, Nuwan Jinadasa, and Ravindu Jayanath Kumara, who all secured direct entry into the last eight.
Making her international debut in the flyweight (52kg) category, 33-year-old Priyadarshani faced Ukraine’s Svitlana Umanska, a 25-year-old southpaw returning after a brief break. Priyadarshani fought bravely, landing solid punches, but Umanska’s superior technical skills and composure in key moments gave her the advantage. A standing eight count against Priyadarshani in the second round, with two judges scoring it 10:8 in Umanska’s favour, proved to be a turning point.
In the featherweight (57kg) division, 33-year-old Hansika, Sri Lanka’s most experienced boxer, faced Riza Pasuit of the Philippines. Hansika, recovering from knee surgery and making a return after a one-and-a-half-year break, started strong, using her reach and technique effectively. However, Pasuit’s aggressive style and powerful punches proved too much for Hansika. Despite a valiant effort and a strong final round, Pasuit earned a convincing win.
With four boxers now eliminated, Sri Lanka’s medal hopes rest on Mihiran, Jinadasa, and Kumara, who will face tough competition in the upcoming rounds. The championships, with 21 nations including boxing powerhouses like Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, China, and Thailand, continue to challenge Sri Lanka’s strength and resolve in the ring.
