Dian Gomes boxes strongly into the fourth round

Stepping in to the ring for the fourth consecutive round, Dian Gomes finds himself uncontested as he takes over the helm of Sri Lankan boxing yet another time. He is back by popular demand as Sri Lanka's sporting fraternity pays tribute to the man who has not only bought about a new era in boxing but sport in Sri Lanka in general. His no nonsense result oriented approach with a touch of corporate flair has brought about a refreshing change in the outlook of boxing in recent years and his re-appointment augurs well for the future of Sri Lankan boxing.

Gomes has been instrumental in the resurgence of boxing in Sri Lanka having first taken over the reigns of the ABA in 2004. Having being at the fore front in the emergence of a South Asian apparel behemoth in MAS Holdings, Gomes currently leads the MAS Intimates division which enjoys over Rs. 25 Billion volumes in Sales revenue per annum. His management techniques have proven so successful in many spheres, and leadership experts and corporate bodies alike are studying his style which is known to unorthodox but highly effective as proven by his illustrious career record.

Transforming a stagnant ABA and transforming it into the best managed sporting body in the island is no small feat, exponentially increasing the momentum year on year is a colossal feat. Gomes is a specialist in turning around and realigning organizations as he has displayed over the years. He was the cornerstone of the development of Slimline in rural Pannala making it one of the most admired companies in the country. In the same vein, the ABA finds itself getting the envy of most other sports organizations in Sri Lanka who don't have the blessing of having a visionary like him at the helm.

'Doing good' is what Dian Gomes is all about. What he has done with the companies he leads is there for everyone to see, and it will take a brave man to bet against Gomes leading his boxers to international glory over the next few years. "I don't believe in talking big, I'd rather focus on the job at hand and get the show going," says Gomes who's track record among the corporate and sporting fraternities alike, speak volumes for itself.

He is also a firm believer in having an 'A' grade team; a factor which he says is the secret of his success. "You are only as strong as the weakest link in your team and that is why I'm a firm believer in having the best people working with me", says Gomes who has carefully handpicked a team of seasoned professionals who share his passion and philosophy to see him through to his goals in a challenging year ahead.

The Executive Team this year includes stellar personalities in the boxing field. The Vice Presidents post is ably handled by Major General Jagath Jayasuriya and DIG Rohan Abeywardena both renowned leaders of our forces, Major Hemantha Weerasinghe as Secretary and Group Captain Nishantha Dharmadasa as Treasurer. The veteran boxing guru Herbert Embuldeniya and AIBA Executive Committee member Neiva Embuldeniya are also part of the winning mix adding great value through their vast exposure in the international boxing arena.

Gomes takes his mantra of working a step further by putting the knowledge and experience of veterans like Capt. R. K. Indrasena, and many other former champs and coaches into the foray, in order to enhance and upgrade boxing at school and club level. He has moved his one time Royal College Captain and former Secretary of the ABA, Wazir Sourjah into a serious coaching stint. Sourjah has been relaxed from his administration duties and has been positioned in a pivotal role heading the strategic team of professionals that will pick and groom the next generation of talent.

So what draws the right people into his team? It is his one hundred percent confidence and vision for boxing, and the proven track record of the last three years, which is ample testimony of his passion. He has managed to win the confidence, respect and support of the sporting fraternity and more importantly the public in general, reaching out to a wider audience island wide.

Gomes and is team are steadfast in their belief that international exposure is the most pragmatic approach to boost the standards of boxers. Sri Lankan boxers took part in several international tournaments in 2006, including the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, the King's Cup in Thailand, Vietnam vs Sri Lanka duel in Colombo, The South Asian Games in Sri Lanka. The Asian Cadets Championship and Women's Open Meet in Hanoi, The Green Hill Cup in Karachi, the 2nd Asian Junior Boxing Championship in Goa, the 4th World Women's Boxing Championship in New Delhi and the Asian Games in Doha.

Despite the impressive level of participation at international level, the returns were far below par in 2006. "There were a few moments of glory such as the winning of the first ever international gold medal by a Female Sri Lankan boxer in Vietnam but overall it could have been better" comments Gomes who is however encouraged by the promise shown by the young pugilists against tougher seasoned adversaries from overseas. "It was a great learning experience and it will hold our boxers in good stead for the coming year", says Gomes whose ultimate vision is to achieve an Olympic medal for Sri Lanka in boxing. He has shown that he has the determination, attitude and resources to see this project to its successful conclusion in London 2012.

Sri Lanka's visibility and credibility in the regional and global Boxing Fraternity improved with the hosting of South Asian Games Boxing in August last year. Gomes and team put on a fantastic show which received rave reviews from both boxers and officials from the competing nations.

Gomes believes that the way forward is to host more international standard tournaments so that Sri Lanka builds on this favourable foundation. The ABA Team has also successfully courted the consistent support of the corporate sector which has helped boost the finances of the governing body, in light of the non-existent funding from the government. "Funding is the biggest challenge, there is so much scope I see for this sport but it's the money that is the limiting factor", says Gomes who has earned the backing of some of the largest corporates in Sri Lanka. It is his personal credibility that has given these companies the faith to invest in this sport and Gomes is appreciative of their generous contributions in no uncertain terms. "Phoenix Industries was our main sponsor last year and have generously offered to continue for 2007/8 as well. Companies such as MAS Holdings and Caltex have also helped us through out the years & we are extremely happy to see some of the biggest names in the country are backing us all the way"

The ABA Teams plans for 2007 include recruiting a new foreign coach, picking new talent which is initiated with the participation in the Under 19 World Cadet Championships in UAE, participation of 4 boxers in the King's Cup in Bangkok in April, a tournament with India and Thailand to be held in Sri Lanka, 2 Boxers to participate in the World Championship in Seoul, the Commonwealth Boxing Championship in Liverpool and three boxers participating in the Olympic Trials for the China Olympics. The year has already started off on a winning note with young K. Alexander securing a Silver medal in the Tehran Open Championships in Iran earlier in February. Much more is expected from him & the rest of the boxers as the year rolls on.

So what motivates a successful corporate leader to drive the resurgence of a poor man's sport? "There's no personal gain for me through boxing. It's just something I'm passionate about & I believe in", says Gomes with a smile. The chairman of MAS Holdings Deshamanya Mahesh Amalean once said that "given the right conditions and right backing, we Sri Lankans have it in us to be the best in the world". Those visionary words have proved to be true in the realm of apparel and I don't see why I can't make it a reality in boxing as well? says Gomes who brings about a fresh air into sports administration in Sri Lanka as the country hails a man who has the drive, the will and the passion to see his vision being realized for his motherland.