Mihiran – gritty pugilist with a giant dream
Last Sunday, Mihiran made history by clinching a bronze medal in the Men’s Flyweight (51kg) category at the ASBC Asian Elite Boxing Championships in Thailand. His victory ended a 37-year drought for a medal in men’s boxing at this prestigious event—the last being won by P.L.J. Ratnasuriya in 1987.
Umayanga Mihiran (blue) in action at the recent Asian Championship
Mihiran’s journey to the podium was far from easy. In the semi-finals, he faced Uzbekistan’s Asilbek Jalilov, the reigning Asian Under-22 champion. Despite a fierce battle, Mihiran lost by unanimous decision, with all five judges scoring 30-27 in Jalilov’s favour.
“It was one of the toughest fights of my career,” Mihiran recalled.
“I gave everything I had in the ring. Even though I didn’t win, I am proud of what I accomplished.”
From the opening bell, Mihiran showed grit and skill. He launched sharp jabs and powerful right hands blows while maintaining a strong defensive guard. But Jalilov’s agility and smart tactics gradually shifted the bout’s momentum. Using speed and precision, the Uzbek countered effectively, sealing his victory.
A product of Vidyarathana University College, Horana, Mihiran was guided by his childhood boxing coach, Amila Aravinda Tissera. He later joined Nalanda College, Colombo for his Advanced Level studies. Following this, Mihiran became a member of the Sri Lanka Police and trained under the guidance of the Police boxing coaches.
Behind his success is a story of inner strength. Mihiran is not just a boxer; he is also a first-year Biosystems Technology undergraduate at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Balancing academics and boxing is no easy task.
“Education has always been important to me,” he shared.
“My family taught me that knowledge is as powerful as any punch I throw.”
Despite long training hours, Mihiran stays committed to his studies, determined to build a life beyond the ring. But his immediate dream remains clear: winning an Olympic medal for Sri Lanka.
“I see myself on the Olympic podium one day,” he said with committed conviction.
“It’s a dream I’m ready to fight for.”
Mihiran’s historic medal has sparked hope for Sri Lanka’s boxing community. Sri Lanka sent its largest-ever boxing team of 12 athletes to the regional championships, but only Mihiran reached the semi-finals. His achievement highlights the potential for greatness with the right support and preparation.
“I hope my success inspires young boxers back home,” he said, filled with emotion.
“We have so much untapped talent. With better training and facilities, we can compete with the best in the world.”
For Mihiran, the bronze medal is more than a piece of metal—it is a symbol of hard work, sacrifice and unyielding spirit. His journey from a small gym to the international boxing ring is a proof to what can be achieved through sheer purposefulness.
“This medal is for my family, my coaches, and my country,” Mihiran said, eyes glistening with pride.
“I fought for all of them—and for my future.”
He is a talented athlete with big dreams, but right now, he is facing challenges that could hold him back. He lacks proper nutrition, which is essential for his growth and success in the sport. Without the right support, his potential to conquer the world of boxing will remain untapped. The Sri Lanka sports authorities need to recognise this struggle and step in to provide the necessary resources. By ensuring Mihiran has access to good nutrition, it can help him overcome these barriers and allow him to reach his full potential, making Sri Lanka proud.