IBA President Kremlev out to uplift Sri Lanka boxing

Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe (third from left) handing over special memento to International Boxing Association (IBA) President Umar Kremlev after successful discussion at the Sports Ministry yesterday. Also in the picture are Sports Ministry Secretary K. Maheshan, Sri Lanka Boxing President Dian Gomes and Sports Director General Rear Admiral Dr Shemal Fernando. (pix courtesy Sports Ministry media)

International Boxing Association (IBA) President Umar Kremlev is keen to uplift Sri Lanka Boxing and has agreed to increase financial support to Sri Lanka Boxing after successful discussion with the Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe yesterday.

Sri Lanka Boxing President and Director of IBA Dian Gomes,Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe, IBA President Umar Kremlev,former World Heavy Weight champion and Olympic Medalist Roy Levesta Jones JR ,Sports Ministry Secretary K. Maheshan and Newly appointed Sports Director General Dr Shemal Fernando were present at the Sports Ministry Board Room yesterday.

Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe warmly welcomed IBA President Umar Kremlev and pointed out present situation of countrys sports and said Sri Lanka and Russia have good relationship and urged IBA President support to uplift Sri Lanka sports.

IBA President Umar Kremlev was happy to associate with Sports Minister and this was historic discussion as first time IBA President met Sri Lankan Sports Minister on the invitation of Sri Lanka Boxing President Dian Gomes.

Dian Gomes the Sri Lanka Boxing chief pointed out the importance of the IBA to develop Sri Lanka sports. Sri Lanka boxers have won medals at Asian, Commonwealth Games as well as South Asian level and also our boxers have good potential said Sri Lanka Boxing Chief Dian Gomes.

IBA President Umar Kremlev was happy with Sri Lanka Boxing progress while he is committed to increase allowance from 50,000 US dollars to 100,000 US dollars from next year and that’s for Boxing promotion while IBA President agreed to make Boxing Development Centre and give Boxing rings to the boxers. Already IBA President Umar Kremlev visited Royal College MAS Boxing arena and also Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium and they had successful discussion to give Boxing ring to Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium which is very vital for local boxers.