20-year-old Sachini Fernando showed her exceptional talent and potential by winning the Best Female Boxer award at the prestigious Clifford Cup Boxing Championship. Sachini displayed technical excellence, refined technique and impressive ringcraft to defeat Sri Lankan boxer Ishara Thushari Perera in the light fly 50kg weight class.
This is the second best women’s boxing award in her growing career. Now she hopes to win her maiden national title in the upcoming 97th National Boxing Championship.
A proud alumna of Viharamahadevi Girls’ College, Kiribathgoda, Sachini is a proud alumna of former Sri Lankan boxer and five-time national boxer Rashmika Shehani Ilangaratne. Reflecting on his protégé’s success, Ilangaratne said, “Sachini is an extraordinary talent with a strong work ethic. Her ability to stay calm and execute strategy in the ring sets her apart. She has the potential to achieve great things for Sri Lanka on the international stage.”
What makes Sachini’s journey even more remarkable is her family’s unique connection to boxing. As the eldest of three siblings, she paved the way for her twin Yashini and younger sister Hiruni, who also took up the sport and became pioneers in their school’s boxing. “Boxing has brought us closer as a family,” Sachini said. “My sisters and I push each other to be better every day. We share our successes and learn from our challenges together.”
The three sisters created history by winning gold medals in the boxing competition of the 2023 All Ceylon National School Games and Viharamahadevi Girls’ College became the inaugural champions.
Both their parents, who are retired army personnel, have given their daughters unwavering support and encouragement to pursue their dreams. “Our parents taught us the essential discipline and values of boxing,” Sachini said. The twins have not only excelled in boxing, but have also chosen to go to university to study sports science management degrees, a testament to their dedication in and out of the ring.
Sachini’s success in the Clifford Trophy is a clear indicator of his ability to make a mark on the international stage. She has already caught the attention of boxing officials. A senior official of the Sri Lanka Boxing Association commented, “Sachini is a rare gem in Sri Lankan boxing. Her technical skill and determination are reminiscent of some of the greats. We are sure that she will bring glory to the country in the near future.”
As she continues to rise, Sachini Fernando represents the future of Sri Lankan boxing. “It’s my dream to win an international medal for Sri Lanka,” said a determined Sachini, who will be competing for her maiden national title at the championships starting Thursday at the Galle Mudoora Stadium. “I want to show the world that Sri Lankan boxers can compete at the highest level.”
With her technical prowess, disciplined training and unwavering support from her family and coach, Sachini Fernando is surely on track to bring pride and glory to Sri Lanka at the Asian Under-22 Boxing Championships, says her coach Ilangaratne.
