Four women pugilists left (Thursday) for Antalia city in Turkey to participate in the World Cup Women’s Boxing Championship which begins tomorrow. This is the first time that Lankan women’s boxers have got a chance in a major tourney.

Two boxers from Slimline SC Pannala Nilmini Gamlath (54 kg bantam weight) and Nilmini Kumari Jayasinghe (51 kg fly weight) and two Army boxers Nilanthi Kumari Jayasinghe (48 kg light fly weight) and L. G. Chandrika (45 kg weight class) comprise the quartet. R. K. Indrasena (coach) and Niwa Imbuldeniya (manager) are the officials.

The duo from Slimline SC told the "Sunday Island" that it was an honour bestowed on us. We took to the sport under the guidance of the talented boxer from Slimline Harsha Kumara. Later Chammika Wickremasinghe also gave us good support. However during pool practices Cuban coach J. L. Prometha also helped us, while our Managing Director Dian Gomes and his officials gave us all the encouragement. They also said that women’s boxers are newcomers to the sports and during one calendar year we are off to compete in this world championships and all credit should go to Slimline MD Dian Gomes also the vice president of the NABA. The two army boxers also thank Slimline and Col. Jagath Jayasuriya for affording them this opportunity of participation.

Dian Gomes the proud man behind women's boxing hoped that our boxers will bring honour to our country.

Financial support is extremely important otherwise our players wouldn’t be able to go for such a tour. (DR)