GOLDEN GLORY IN MARTIAL ARTS

Sri Lankan fighters shine at International Thai Martial Arts Festival

Sri Lanka team with their medals

The Sri Lankan national team has returned home in triumph after a spectacular performance at the 7th International Thai Martial Arts Games and Festival, held in Bangkok, Thailand, from May 17 to 22. The competition brought together over 600 athletes from more than 50 countries, making it one of the most competitive events of its kind globally.

Sri Lanka brought home a remarkable total of 10 medals including three gold, four silver, and three bronze  in Muaythai and boxing events.

According to the Secretary General of WMBF, WMO & UBF Sri Lanka, this outstanding achievement is the result of the unwavering dedication of their 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, the 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 Ministry of Sports  continues to elevate the profile of Sri Lankan martial arts internationally.

In recognition of his over 22-year close and cordial relationship with Senior Grand Master Woody, founder of ITMA-Games, Arjarn Dushantha Perera has been granted the honour of hosting the next Asian International & 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 Nuwan Dhananjaya (UBF – Head Coach, Boxing), Yasas Withanage, Chamil Nishantha, and Kumudu Prasanna for their exceptional efforts in preparing the athletes for peak performance.

Amaratunga Athapaththu also represented Sri Lanka as an international referee, reinforcing the country’s presence in global martial arts governance.

VMD Consultants and its Chairman Vajira Dhanapala sponsored the team’s official uniforms. Dhanapala also serves as a Director of WMBF, WMO, and UBF Sri Lanka.

Individual Medalists – 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