Sri Lankan athletes shine at IFMA Virtual Muaythai World Championship 2020
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Sri Lanka won 18 medals at the IFMA Virtual Muaythai World Championship 2020 bringing glory to the country by winning three gold, seven silver and eight bronze medals. The tournament was conducted by the International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) online via zoom technology because of the COVID-19 pandemic restriction.This championship attracted over 850 entries from 82 countries. They competed in Shadow Box, Aero Fit, Max Fit and Wai Kru events. The Sri Lankan athletes overcame many challenges with dedication to triumph and bring laurels to the country.
Sri Lanka secured third place in Max Fit category, sixth in Aero Fit, 14th in the Wai Kru and 20th position in Shadow Box event.
This tournament served as a qualifying event for the United Through Sports World Virtual Youth Festival 2020 organised by the IOC (International Olympic Committee). Sri Lankans representing IFMA secured four gold, three silver and three bronze medals.
Isuru with his medal and certificate
Isuru Dilhara Rathnayake of Pallebowela Maha Vidyalaya was the star performer winning a gold medal and a silver medal in both tournaments. He represented Sri Lanka in muaythai boxing tournaments in Thailand in 2018 and the Youth World Muaythai Boxing Championship in 2019. He also won a silver medal at the 2019 World Muaythai Boxing Championship held in Turkey. Manoj Malisha Bandara and Diluka Sampath also of Pallebowela MV excelled.
Isuru Dilhara Ratnayake
The three gold medal winners at the IFMA Virtual Muaythai World Championship 2020 were Isuru Dilhara Rathnayake (Pallebowela Maha Vidyalaya), M.N. Zakir Ahmed (Zahira International School, Mawanella) and Malinsa Fernando.
Bassam Murthaza (Good Hope Colege, Mawanella) and Nethnini Chamthya Katupitiya (Mayurapada National School, Mawanella) won two silver medals apiece.
The other silver medalists were Mohamed Fahid Ishak (Hillcountry International, Madawala), Suhail Faseen (Zahira International School, Mawanella), Maryam Murtaza (Good Hope College, Mawanella), Abdul Hafil and Malisha Bandara (Pallebowela Maha Vidyalaya).
Zakir Ahmed also won a bronze medal to add to his gold medal. The other bronze medal winners were M.M. Rajai Hana (Baduriya MMV, Mawanella), Diluka Sampath (Pallebowela MV), Mohamed Adhal and Maduranga Hewage.
The gold medalists in the World Virtual Youth Festival 2020 were Nethmini Katupitiya (Max Fit), Bassam Murtaza (Max Fit), Malinsa Fernando (Max Fit) and Manoj (Max Fit).
Silver medals were won by M.N. Zakir Ahmed (Max Fit), Diluka S. Jayaratne (Max Fit) and Isuru Rathnayaka (Max Fit). Faseen Suhail (Max Fit), Maryam Murthaza (Aero Fit) and Mohamed Fahid Ishak (Aero Fit) secured bronze medals.