Boxing Nationals from today

The 82nd national boxing championships for men and women organised by the Amateur Boxing Association of Sri Lanka will be worked off from November 20 to 23 at the Sugathadasa indoor stadium.

Sri Lanka Army BC who have won the men's title on 19 occasions will be out to retain the title with stiff opposition coming from Slimline BC, Sri Lanka Police BC, Sri Lanka Air Force BC, Unichela BC, Seevali BC, Kingswood BC and Peradeniya BC.

The cynosure of all eyes will be on Anuruddha Ratnayake of Slimline BC who have qualified to represent the country at the 2008 Olympic Games in China after reaching the quarterfinals of the World Championships held in Chicago, United States of America recently.

Manju Wanniarachchi (Slimline), N. S. P. Silva (Slimline), T. M. C. Tennekoon (Army BC), W. I. Chaturanga (Royal BC), N. P. S. Karunaratne (Slimline BC), K. K. Jayasundera (Sri Lanka Navy BC), C. N. Bandara (Sri Lanka Army BC) are some of the other top boxers who are expected to make an impact at this meet.

However the notable absentee will be Kamal Sameera of Slimline BC who won the best boxers award at last years meet and is currently in China participating in the 'Good Luck Beijing' meet.

(C.D).