Umayanga Mihiran Competes at IBA World Boxing Championships

Dubai 2025

Pasindu Umayanga Mihiran, a spirited 22 years old third year undergraduate in Biosystems Technology at the Faculty of Technology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, stepped beyond the lecture halls to proudly carry Sri Lanka’s colors onto the global stage. Competing in the IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships 2025 in Dubai, held from November 30 to December 13, Mihiran embodied both the resilience of a nation and the promise of a new generation, proving that academic brilliance and athletic courage can rise together under one name.

The prestigious IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships took place at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, UAE, featuring 13 men’s weight categories, including the competitive 48-51kg flyweight division. The Opening Ceremony was held on December 2, with daily bouts from December 3 to 11, and the Finals on December 13. This global event brought together the finest amateur boxers from across the world to compete for medals, rankings, and national pride.

Mihiran has already made history for Sri Lanka. In 2024, he won a bronze medal at the ASBC Asian Elite Championships in Chiang Mai, Thailand, ending a 37-year drought for Sri Lanka in men’s boxing at the elite level. Competing in the 48-51kg flyweight category, he is known for his disciplined, tactical, and resilient fighting style, which he showcased against some of Asia’s toughest opponents.

His life, which harmonized academic excellence with athletic courage, stands as an inspiration to the new generation of student-athletes. His proud journey, which carried the university’s name onto the international stage, will be remembered forever.

Article Written by: ASHA RASANGI