Royal College’s dual sport star Meegalla shines with Best Boxer title

Thenuwan Meegalla, Royal College’s boxing captain and a dual-sport star, showcased his outstanding skill and resilience by claiming his second consecutive gold at the 105th Stubbs Shield Boxing Championship. Held at the Royal MAS Arena, Meegalla’s victory in the 56kg Flyweight category earned him the coveted title of Best Boxer, an award marked by the prestigious Col. T.Y. Wright Challenge Cup.

Meegalla, an 18-year-old boxing coloursman and also the diving vice-captain, displayed formidable technique and control in his bouts. In the final, he delivered a decisive 5-0 victory against his rival from St. Aloysius College, Ratnapura. This win highlighted Meegalla’s position as an unbeatable force in his weight class, a streak that began with his triumph in last year’s TB Jayah Championship.

Over the course of the Stubbs Shield Championship, Meegalla fought through four intense rounds, including a hard-fought semi-final match against a skilled boxer from Peradeniya Central College. His grit and tactical skill were key in leading Royal College to a strong finish, with the team securing the overall runner-up position with three golds, three silvers, and a bronze.

Meegalla’s achievements this year extend beyond national competition. Earlier, he represented Sri Lanka at the Taipei City Cup in Chinese Taipei, where he brought home another gold, further strengthening his international standing.

The young boxer’s relentless commitment has been bolstered by the guidance of Royal College’s Boxing Advisory Committee President, General Jagath Jayasuriya, and Coaching Panel Supervisor, National Selection Committee Chairman Abdullah Ibunu. Their mentorship played a crucial role in Royal College’s remarkable runner-up finish this year, elevating the team from last year’s third-place position.

Meegalla is not just a boxing champion; he’s also a rising star in diving. As vice-captain of the Royal College diving team, he recently competed in the 14th Singapore National Diving Championship, delivering a commendable performance. He also excelled at the Junior National Diving Championship, earning a bronze medal, highlighting his status as one of the Reid Avenue School’s most versatile athletes.

Meegalla’s back-to-back Stubbs Shield wins and his contributions in both boxing and diving reflect a rare combination of strength, skill, and discipline, making him a name to watch in Sri Lanka’s sports arena.