Dharmaraja crowned kings of junior boxing

Dharmaraja College medals winners:Back row from left: Kavith Tharisha (52kg Senior), B.K.R.R. Biyanwala (64kg Youth), A.B.D. Ranaweera (75kg Senior, Captain), H.W.R.K.B. Menikdiwela (75kg Youth), U.C.R. Dharmasena (60kg Youth) and G.G.N.R. Herath (52kg Youth). Front row from left: N.M.L.N. Navarathna (49kg Youth), P.G.S.S. Jayasinghe (Coach), Saliya Samarawickrama (POG), Mahesh Karunarathna (Principal), Rukman Wekadapola (head coach & MIC), K.D.G. Sathsara (50kg Junior)

Dharmaraja College, Kandy created history by ending as the overall champions in the Under-18 boys’ category at the All Island National School Games 2025, clinching two golds, two silvers, and one bronze medal, their best-ever performance at the competition.

It marked a significant milestone for the Rajans, as it is their first National School Games title and only their second major boxing trophy, following their victory at the Phelps Memorial Challenge Shield during the BASL Junior Championships in 2014.

Remarkably, Rukman Wekadapola, an experienced international technical official, served as head coach and master-in-charge on both victorious occasions, guiding Dharmaraja’s young boxers to national glory once again.

The Rajans’ gold medals came through U.C.R. Dharmasena (60kg Youth) and B.K.R.R. Biyanwala (64kg Youth) while N.M.L.N. Navarathna (49kg Youth) and team captain A.B.D. Ranaweera (75kg Senior) secured silver medals. A bronze medal from H.W.R.K.B. Menikdiwela (75kg Youth) further contributed to their title-winning tally.

Wekadapola credited the victory to the dedication and discipline of his young boxers, saying it reflected the school’s growing strength in the national boxing arena. “Winning the National School Games title is a dream come true. The boys showed tremendous heart and commitment throughout,” he said.

With this triumph, Dharmaraja College reaffirms its status as one of the leading boxing schools in the country, setting a strong foundation for future champions.