106th Stubbs Shield Royal or St. Sylvester’s to reign supreme?

St. Sylvester’s College, Kandy flexing their muscles

By Allaam Ousman 

The stage is set for the 106th edition of the historic Stubbs Shield Inter-School Boxing Championship, scheduled from September 21 to 25 at the Royal MAS Arena, Colombo. 

With over 130 schools and nearly 500 competitors expected to trade punches across 36 weight divisions, the Stubbs Shield once again promises a fierce battle for supremacy in Sri Lanka’s school boxing arena.

All eyes will be on St. Sylvester’s College, Kandy, the reigning powerhouse, who have dominated the Shield for the past four consecutive years. 

Chathuni Siriwardena

The Sylvestrians, coached by the astute Jamitha Gayan Bandara, are chasing history — a fifth straight title that would also take their overall tally to 19 championships, equalling the all-time record held by Royal College, Colombo.

Bandara is confident his charges will rise to the occasion: “We have built a strong, disciplined team with a mix of youth and experience. The boys know what’s at stake — this could be our year to equal Royal’s record,” he said.

Royal College, however, will not back down easily. With a proud tradition of Stubbs dominance and a balanced squad brimming with national-level talent, the boys in blue and gold are determined to halt St. Sylvester’s march. Their talisman, Thenuwan Bandara Meegalla, last year’s Best Boxer and Taipei City Cup gold medalist, is expected to lead by example with his technical mastery.

“Royal has always produced champions at the Stubbs,” remarked a senior coach. “We respect St. Sylvester’s achievements, but this time, we want the Shield back in Colombo.”

While the spotlight is on this head-to-head rivalry, dark horses could yet upset the script. Vidyatharathana University College, Horana, who dominated the junior boys’ categories last year with golds from Binul Dulanga, Janindu Dhananjaya, and Nehan Kularathna, are being tipped as serious contenders for their maiden triumph.

The Girls’ division will once again be keenly contested. Siri Parakum Vidyalaya, Kotagala, champions in 2024 with three golds and a silver, face a stiff challenge from Sri Pragnarathana Central College, Gelioya, who produced three golds and three bronzes last year. Hemamali Girls’ College’s Chathuni Jagathya Siriwardena, the reigning Best Female Boxer, is another name to watch as she continues her climb on the national stage.

As the bell rings at the Royal MAS Arena, the question is simple: Will St. Sylvester’s equal Royal’s record of 19 titles, or will Royal reclaim their place at the pinnacle of school boxing?

One thing is certain — the 106th Stubbs Shield will be a battle for the ages.

Key Boxers to Watch:

Thenuwan Bandara Meegalla (Royal College, Colombo)– Reigning Best Boxer and Taipei City Cup gold medallist. Known for his sharp footwork and precise counter-punching, he is Royal’s leader and main title hope.

Sandun Heshan (St. Sylvester’s College, Kandy)– Senior 60kg champion who impressed with a unanimous win last year. A clever pressure fighter with excellent stamina, he will be key to Sylvester’s campaign.

Deshan Jayasundara (St. Sylvester’s College, Kandy)– The 64kg gold medalist from 2024, blending speed and ring intelligence. Expected to carry Sylvester’s momentum in the middleweight bracket.

Vimarshana Jayasinghe (St. Sylvester’s College, Kandy)– A youth international gold medalist (2023) who dominated the 69kg division last year. His mix of experience and raw power makes him one of the most feared names in the tournament.

Chathuni Jagathya Siriwardena (Hemamali Girls’ College, Kandy)– Last year’s Best Female Boxer in the senior 48kg class. A sharp, aggressive fighter who thrives under pressure, she will be the benchmark for the girls’ division.

Hemamali Girls College, Kandy are favourites 

\

Thenuwan Meegalla