Umayanga Mihiran is the epitome of a pugilist with brawn and analytical skills
Allaam Ousman tracks the inspiring journey of a Sri Lankan boxing champion
In the fiercely competitive world of boxing, Umayanga Mihiran – a standout figure from the age of 13 – has captured the hearts of fans in Sri Lanka. His exceptional pugilistic skills and unwavering drive have propelled him to spectacular heights in amateur boxing. With strategic brilliance, lightning fast reflexes and powerful punches, Mihiran has consistently outshone his peers.
Introduced to boxing by his father, a former boxer for St. John’s College in Nugegoda, Mihiran’s journey began at Vidyarathna University College, driven by a passion ignited after passing the Grade 5 scholarship exam at Maputugala Maha Vidyalaya.
Falling in love with the art of pugilism, Mihiran’s innate talent, coupled with an unwavering work ethic, set the stage for a remarkable journey in the world of boxing.
His outstanding performances include securing gold medals in various competitions, winning at the Junior Boxing Championship in 2018 and representing Sri Lanka. Despite setbacks – such as a wrist fracture during the Commonwealth Games Trials – Mihiran rebounded to win the Most Scientific Boxer award at the National Championships at 19.
In 2016, he secured gold medals at the L. V. Jayaweera Boxing Meet for freshers in Colombo, T. B. Jayah Boxing Meet for novices at Nawalapitiya and Stubbs Shield All Island National School Boxing Championship in the 35-37 kilogramme category. His success continued in 2018 as he won at the Junior Boxing Championships in the 48-50 kilogramme category.
In 2019, he represented Sri Lanka at the Asian Junior Boxing Championship in Dubai, losing to the eventual gold medallist from Kazakhstan in his international debut. After a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mihiran participated in the Asian Youth Boxing Championship in Dubai in 2021, losing to a Tajik boxer.
The 2022 Stubbs Shield meet showcased his excellence as he secured a gold medal and the ‘Best Boxer’ title.
Mihiran also represented Sri Lanka at the ASBC Asian U22 Boxing Championships in Bangkok where he lost to the eventual gold medallist from the Philippines.
Born in Telijjawila in Akurugoda, Matara, the eldest of a family of three, Godakandalage Pasindu Umayanga Mihiran’s academic achievements include pursuing biosystems technology at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, showcasing his commitment to both studies and sports.
Mihiran’s international journey includes participating in the 2023 IBA Men’s World Amateur Boxing Championships in Uzbekistan where he faced formidable opponents and gained valuable experience.
“Even the defending champion from Kazakhstan lost but I had the opportunity to spar with him. I sparred with about 15 boxers; the first few days I got hit but after that, I found my rhythm,” he recalls.
He shrugged off the disappointment of being runner-up at the Layton Cup Boxing Tournament last year to win a gold medal at an international youth tournament in Malaysia. Mihiran also retained the national flyweight title with a sublime performance to be adjudged the most outstanding boxer in 2023.
Mihiran trained at the Sri Lanka Police Sports Club – his newly adopted club – a week before the Malaysia tour, beating opponents from Singapore, Malaysia and Nepal. In the gold medal clash, he experienced anxious moments after bleeding profusely from a gash above the right eye.
“It was the result of a clash of heads in the last minute of the final round. I feared that the fight would be stopped because of the bleeding,” Mihiran reveals, expressing his gratitude to Boxing Association of Sri Lanka President Dian Gomes for sponsoring his Malaysia tour.
He has benefitted from the tutelage of coaches Amila Tissera, Rusiru Opanayaka, Shashi Prabhath Januka Indunil, Sameera Karunaratne and Dulshan Lalisha Kahatapitiya at various stages of his career. And his disciplined approach extends to nutrition with a specific focus on vitamins and maintaining an optimal weight for his fighting class.
Looking ahead, Umayanga Mihiran aims to continue representing Sri Lanka with a clear goal of qualifying for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. His dedication both in and out of the ring positions him as a role model for aspiring young boxers in Sri Lanka, illustrating that dreams can be achieved with passion, dedication and resilience.
“Going to the Olympics is not a dream – I can pursue it in 2024 or 2028,” he maintains. However, Mihiran recognises the importance of nutrition, vitamin supplements and regular international training camps to achieve his goals.
“My aim is to continue boxing until the 2028 Olympics,” Mihiran explains.
As his journey unfolds, fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter in his impressive career. With skill, determination and a strong support system, Umayanga Mihiran is poised to make an enduring impact on the world of boxing for years to come.
