Sri Lankan fighters shine at International Thai Martial Arts Festival; team returns with 10 medals

Wednesday, 28 May 2025 00:06 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Sri Lankan national team has returned home in triumph after a spectacular performance at the 7th International and Thai Martial Arts Games and Festival, held in Bangkok, Thailand, from 17 to 22 May.

The competition brought together over 600 athletes from more than 50 countries, making it one of the most competitive events of its kind globally.

With immense pride and gratitude, we announce the successful conclusion of Sri Lanka’s participation, bringing home a remarkable total of 10 medals including three Gold, four Silver, and three Bronze in Muaythai and boxing events.

According to the WMBF, WMO and UBF Sri Lanka Secretary General, this outstanding achievement is the result of the unwavering dedication of our coaching staff, tireless effort of the athletes, mutual support among team members, and the strong team spirit displayed throughout the competition. Competing with courage, honour, and heart, our fighters proved themselves to be true warriors on the global stage.

Arjarn Dushantha Perera, who represented Sri Lanka as the National Director and Head Coach for WMBF (Muay Boran), WMO (Professional Muaythai), UBF (Boxing), and KMA (Kru Muaythai Association), played a key role in guiding the team to international success. His pioneering leadership and vision including his role as the founder of Sri Lanka’s first official Muaythai Convention under the Sports Ministry continues to elevate the profile of Sri Lankan martial arts internationally.

In recognition of his over 22-year close and cordial relationship with ITMA-Games Founder Senior Grand Master Woody, Arjarn Dushantha Perera has been granted the honour of hosting the next Asian International and Thai Martial Arts Championship in Sri Lanka in 2026 a proud milestone for the nation’s martial arts community.

Special appreciation is extended to the coaching team, UBF Head Coach – Boxing Nuwan Dhananjaya, Yasas Withanage, Chamil Nishantha, and Kumudu Prasanna for their exceptional efforts in preparing the athletes for peak performance.

“We also thank Amaratunga Athapaththu for representing Sri Lanka as an international referee, reinforcing the country’s presence in global martial arts governance. “Our sincere thanks go to VMD Consultants and its Chairman Vajira Dhanapala for sponsoring the team’s official uniforms. Dhanapala also serves as a Director of WMBF, WMO, and UBF Sri Lanka.

“As Sri Lanka’s martial arts and boxing scene continues to grow stronger, we eagerly look forward to sharing more exciting news in the near future.”

Individual medallists – Sri Lanka team achievements:

Gold medals:

A.A. Sahlān – Boxing, Under-16, 57kg category

M.R.M. Shahal – Boxing, Under-14, 57kg category

Sasen Kalubowila – Boxing, Under-18, 60kg category

Silver Medals:

Yansilu Dinanjaya – Muaythai (Amateur), Under-18, 67kg category

Tisara Anjana – Muaythai Pro-Am), Senior, 51kg category

M.I.M. Imaan – Boxing, Under-14, 63.5kg category

Sandesh Theekshana – Boxing, Senior, 91kg category

Bronze medals:

Kumudu Prasanna – Muaythai (Professional), Senior, 63.5kg category

Chamath Rajapaksha – Muaythai (Amateur), Senior, 81kg category

Rusiru Ranganath – Muaythai (Amateur), Senior, 71kg category

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