Sri Lankans to contest unifight in Russia

A group of seven Sri Lankans will contest the World Unifight Championships in Russia from November 16 to 23 that is organized by the International Unifight Federation.

The seven exponents are EMCB Ekanayake (Navy), WAND Appuhamy (Civil Security Department), CD Fernando (Navy), WAD Kaushalya (Navy), WCP Silva (Prisons), EMK Priyankara (Navy) and PGIR Ruberu (Navy).

They will be accompanied by one of the chief promoters of Unifight navy Petty Officer Uditha Peiris.

Unifight is a combination of events ranging from cadetting endurance to combat that culminates in a physical fight involving two contestants.

The package event lasts a few minutes with speed as the main factor that can determine the outcome of the contest.

Uditha Peiris will also play a lead role in a training workshop from November 9 to 15 in Russia which is a fore-runner to the Championship. Coaching and refereeing will form a big part of the training program.

Meanwhile the Sri Lanka Unifight Federation which was established three years ago has in a bid to promote and popularize the sport tied up with the Western Provincial Council to organize a demonstration and workshop at Sumangala College Panadura from October 17 to 30.

Schools, clubs, companies and even individuals to could follow the training and workshop as well as contest events. Working day training and demonstrations will be held from 3.30 to 6.30 pm while sessions will also be held on Saturdays and Sundays from 8.30 am.

A similar workshop and training program was held in Trincomalee under the auspices of the Eastern Provincial Council and attended by a large number of participants.

The Unifight Federation of Sri Lanka (UFSL) is headed by Commodore Nandana Jayaratne (president) and Petty Officer Uditha Peiris (secretary and founder)