Manju on verge of qualifying for Olympic Games

Manju Wannirachchi of Slimline BC is just one bout away from qualifying to become the second boxer to represent Sri Lanka at the forthcoming Olympic Games following a tremendous performance in the second AIBA Asian Olympic Trials which is now in progress in Kazakhstan.

Wanniarachchi a silver medallist at the 2005 Kings Cup meet in Thailand has already bagged a bronze medal and will take on a Kazakhstan opponent in the semi-finals of the bantam weight under 54 kgs weight class event scheduled for today.

Wanniarachchi of course had earlier failed in his first attempt to qualify after being eliminated from the second round of the AIBA World Boxing Championships held in Chicago, United States of America.

But this time he has come out with an improved performance and is on the verge of joining Anurudda Ratnayake who has already created history by becoming the first boxer since 1968 to represent the country in an Olympic Games.

Wanniarachchi increased his chances of making it to the Olympic Games when he had the better of A. Jawed of Iran in the quarterfinals. Even if he loses the semifinal bout, Wanniarachchi still has the opportunity of qualifying if he could beat the losing opponent of the other semifinal.

Kamal Sameera who also represented the country at this meet was earlier knocked out following a close 17-19 defeat at the hands of Gledimurado Charimura of Thajikistan.

C.D