Kalhari Munasinghe’s journey to becoming a national boxing champion is nothing short of remarkable. With just eight months of training, she clinched the National title in the 60-63.5 kg weight class, leaving many in awe of her rapid rise in the sport. While some may question how such success could come so quickly, Kalhari attributes it to her innate, hidden skills that have allowed her to surpass seasoned competitors and triumph in the ring.
Her foray into boxing began somewhat unexpectedly. Before she laced up her gloves, Kalhari had spent eight years weightlifting, though not with the same competitive drive. “I did weightlifting mainly to build muscle and stay fit,” she recalled.
Yet, everything changed when she stumbled upon a sawdust punching bag at Austinate Muscle Gang Gym in Kaduwela. That moment sparked an instant fascination with boxing and soon after she decided to pursue the sport seriously.
In March last year, Kalhari began her search for a boxing coach. Through her online efforts, she found Air Force coach Danushka Ariyaratne, who referred her to Pradeep Jayasinghe.
“He’s the one who taught me everything from the basics to the finer points of boxing,” she contends.
Under Jayasinghe’s guidance, Kalhari quickly honed her skills, demonstrating a natural talent that fast-tracked her progress in the sport.
Despite her rapid ascent Kalhari is fully aware of the cynical disbelief that surrounds her achievement. “People find it hard to believe that after just eight months of training I became a national champion,” she acknowledges.
But she is unwavering in her conviction. “I know my skills are real. I managed to beat opponents who had been boxing for years. Whether people believe it or not, I know I have what it takes.”
Though she is currently taking a brief pause from competition to follow a coaching course, Kalhari has no intention of stepping away from the ring anytime soon as she plans to continue competing in amateur boxing for another five years, with dreams of eventually turning professional. Under the watchful eye of her current coach, Lahiru Perera, she remains focussed on her long-term goals.
In the meantime Kalhari has found a new way to share her passion for the sport. As a coach herself, she now trains around 25 students in Malabe, passing on the knowledge she’s gained from her own experiences in the ring.
Her commitment to her students is evident as she helps them develop the same skills that have brought her success.
But boxing isn’t the only sport close to Kalhari’s heart and despite her shift in focus she hasn’t abandoned her weightlifting roots. “I trained at Torrington with assistant national coach Naveendra Dayan and even competed, though not in a big way,” she recalls.
And while weightlifting has taken a backseat for now, Kalhari still dreams of winning an international medal in the sport. “I won’t stop working towards that,” she asserts, determined to continue pursuing both her passions.
Kalhari Munasinghe’s story is one of perseverance, hidden talent and an unyielding belief in herself. Whether in the boxing ring or the weightlifting arena, she remains focussed on her goals, undeterred by the challenges or the doubts of others.
With her impressive achievements in such a short time, Kalhari has already made her mark – and her journey is far from over.
