Woman boxer Nilmini in line for gold

Chris DHAMBARAGE

Sri Lanka’s woman boxer Nilmini Jayasinghe put herself in contention for a rare gold medal by reaching the final of the AIBA International Women’s boxing tournament which is now in progress in Petersburg, Russia.

The 29 year old boxer from Slimline BC put up a tremendous performance to beat her Russian opponent on points in the 50 kg fly weight category semi final bout yesterday. She will take on another Russian opponent in the final today and is assured of securing a silver medal.

This is also Jayasinghe’s best performance in an International meet after having earlier clinched a bronze medal at the 2006 Asian Championships in Vietnam. She had also participated in two World Cup tournaments in India (2006) and China (2008) respectively.

Meanwhile Sri Lanka’s other representative at this meet Anusha Kodituwakku had to be content with a bronze medal after going down to her opponent Dimova from Moldova in the 48 kg light fly weight category semi final bout yesterday.

Kodituwakku (31) who had earlier bagged a gold medal at the Asian championships in Vietnam in 2006 entered the semi finals by overcoming her opponent Shatukan from Ukraine also on points. The two boxers are accompanied by the Cuban coach Rafael Ramirez.