PA Vibashana of Vidyatharana University College, Horana (VUC) failed in the opening game to EGPS Ranasinghe of Peradeniya Central College as the 105th The coveted Stubbs Shield began on Thursday (31St October) at the Royal MAS Arena.
The 105th edition of the Stubbs Shield is taking place as part of the All Island National School Games, organized by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Schools Boxing Association.
Nearly 500 boxers, both male and female, from 132 schools are competing over six days. The event spans 36 weight classes across three age categories—under 16 (junior), under 18 (youth), and under 20 (senior)—with the finals scheduled for Tuesday, November 5.
The opening day featured 39 bouts, showcasing intense matchups in the preliminary rounds. In one such match, Ranasinghe triumphed over Vibashana from VUC, using strong right jabs to score. Vibashana showed skill in ringcraft with counter punches, but Ranasinghe held his position to secure a points victory by unanimous decision, despite fatigue in the final round.
Defending champions, St. Sylvester’s College of Kandy, started strong with TMRL Thennakoon defeating Wesley’s EG Jayasooriya in the Youth Boys (56kg) division. St. Sylvester’s, aiming to win the Stubbs Shield for the 18th time, has been the reigning All Island National School champion for the past three years.
Another standout performance came from MN Khalid of Zahira College, Colombo, a left-handed boxer, who overwhelmed DGJP Abeyratne from Nugawela Central in the Senior Boys (52kg) match. Khalid’s left uppercuts led the referee to stop the contest in the third round.
The Preliminary rounds will continue today (Friday, 1St November), scheduled to begin at 11:00 am
