* Appointed as Chairwoman Diversity Commission of Sri Lanka Boxing
In a significant development, the Sri Lanka Boxing Association has appointed Nelka Shiromala Thampu as the Chairwoman of the Diversity Commission, a role that aligns perfectly with the International Olympic Committee’s commitment to promoting gender equality and enhancing women’s participation in sports.
Nelka Shiromala, a Sri Lankan female Boxing Referee and Judge, recently brought great honor to her country through her outstanding accomplishments at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where she was recognized as the Number 2 Best Boxing Referee & Judge across both male and female categories. This prestigious recognition follows Nelka’s record-setting achievement as the only Sri Lankan Boxing Referee and Judge to officiate at two consecutive Olympic Games—Paris 2024 and Tokyo 2020. Her journey from a former boxer, who earned the Best Losers Award multiple times at the Sri Lanka National Boxing Championships, to a world-class Referee and Judge recognized by the International Olympic Committee, is a testament to her exceptional skill, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the sport.
As a Chief Inspector with the Sri Lanka Tourist Police, Nelka Shiromala Thampu’s new role as Chairwoman is set to be transformative for women’s boxing in Sri Lanka. Her extensive experience and esteemed international reputation will be instrumental in elevating the sport, fostering new opportunities for female boxers, and ensuring that gender equality is prioritized and maintained across all facets of boxing.
However, Nelka’s path has not been without challenges. She faced significant hurdles, including harassment from the former Sri Lanka Boxing Association regime, which held power for nearly two decades. Despite personal animosity and being deprived of opportunities to officiate in IBA-organized events, Nelka’s respect within the IOC and the IOC’s decision to ban the IBA only fueled her determination to excel in a sport she is passionate about.
With the election of a new Executive Committee under the leadership of President Anuruddha Bandara Shanaka, the future of Sri Lanka Boxing looks promising. Nelka Shiromala Thampu’s appointment as Chairwoman of the Diversity Commission marks a new era for women’s boxing, where her influence and leadership will undoubtedly inspire a brighter and more inclusive future for the sport in Sri Lanka.
