Boxing referee Kiridena does Sri Lanka proud
Leslie FERNANDO
Udeni Kiridena |
Udeni Kiridena, a champion pugilist from Trinity College, who had
latterly brought honour to Sri Lanka, as an international boxing
referee/judge, was awarded one of the highest accolades in the
international boxing fraternity, when he was recognized as a ‘Three
Star’ international boxing referee/judge by the Amateur International
Boxing Association (AIBA) recently. Currently, this is the highest rank
that an international boxing referee could achieve. The appointment was
truly an honour for the Amateur Boxing Association of Sri Lanka, as only
a few Asians are ranked among this international boxing referee
fraternity. Following in his father’s footsteps, Kiridena commenced his
foray into pugilism at the tender age of 11, winning the Central
Province ‘Paper Weight’ title in 1977.
The sport remained a continuing passion, which has served him well,
raising him to the highest rungs of the sport in the global arena. He is
most grateful to his coaches Bobby Jayaweera, S.B. Kiridena, Sarath
Jayasinghe and Leslie Handunge for grooming him as a scientific boxer.
Kiridena was adjudged the ‘Best Boxer’ (Col T.Y. Wright Challenge Cup)
at the Stubbs Shield Champoinships in 1982. He was also awarded the
coveted ‘Lion’ at Trinity College in 1982 and went onto Captain the
Trinity College Boxing Team in 1983, winning the acclaimed Stubbs
Shield, after a lapse of over three decades. Further to his achievements
at Stubbs Shield Championships, he was also adjudged the winner at the
Colombo Schools vs Outstation Schools Dual Meet, T.B. Jayah Cup and the
Junior National Championships.
Faithfully serving the sport he so dearly loves, Kiridena has been
the Treasurer of the Boxing Referees and Judges Association for over
five years.
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