BREAKING BARRIERS
AGAINST ALL ODDS
Nelka Shiromala shares her journey from pioneering boxer to Sri Lanka’s first female Olympic official
Nelka Shiromala’s journey is a testament to unwavering perseverance and courage. The eldest of four daughters, she followed in the footsteps of her father, a boxing coach at the Sri Lanka Navy, to become one of the first women in Sri Lanka to enter the male dominated world of boxing – a world where few women dared to venture.
Her story is one of triumph: a daughter honouring her father’s legacy while forging her own path against all odds.
Growing up in Galle, Nelka’s talent for sports shone through during her years at Rippon Girls’ College. Her boxing career began in 2001 when the sport was introduced to Sri Lanka. Despite limited resources and societal biases against women in sports, Shiromala rose above it all, winning several accolades, including runner-up at the National Boxing Championship for five consecutive years.
Shiromala’s career took an unexpected but impactful turn when she transitioned from boxer to referee. Passing the rigorous examinations for referees and judges, she soon made history, becoming the first South Asian and Southeast Asian woman to achieve a 3-star referee designation.
Her work as a referee took her to the world stage, officiating at the Women’s World Boxing Championship, the Asian Championship and the Commonwealth Games, earning numerous awards along the way.
It was at the Tokyo Olympics however, that Shiromala truly stamped her legacy as a groundbreaking force in the sport. She went on to be recognised as the second best boxing referee and judge at the Paris Olympics, an achievement Shiromala takes immense pride in.
Shiromala’s achievements extend beyond boxing. She has also made an indelible mark in law enforcement, rising to Chief Inspector at the Sri Lanka Police.
During her illustrious career in the police force, she has served in multiple divisions – including the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) and as Acting Officer in Charge (OIC) at the Colpetty police station.
Nelka is now attached to the Tourist Police Division, overseeing investigations islandwide.
Her story is one of breaking barriers both in sports and the workplace. A true trailblazer, she continues to inspire others to push boundaries and pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles.
Shiromala’s legacy will forever be etched in history as Sri Lanka’s ‘Queen of the Ring’ – a symbol of resilience, strength and unwavering determination.
Here are extracts from our exclusive interview…
The Sinhala term for boxing, mushthi prahara, holds a beautiful meaning of striking without being hit
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in boxing?
A: I was inspired to enter the sport of boxing by my beloved father. My father was a national boxing champion, and since there were no boys in our family to follow in his footsteps, I felt a responsibility to fulfil his dream.
At the time my father was involved in boxing, women were not allowed to compete in the sport. When women’s boxing was officially introduced globally in 2001, I saw it as my opportunity to honour my father’s vision and show the world that women could also excel in a sport previously dominated by men.
The Sinhala term for boxing, mushthi prahara, holds a beautiful meaning of striking without being hit. Through boxing, I learned discipline and how to face challenges with resilience.
My father gave me a clear goal: to one day achieve the Olympic dream that he couldn’t. Though I couldn’t fulfil this dream as an athlete, I dedicated 20 years of hard work to achieving it as an official.
Q: What are the challenges you faced when you started your career in boxing – both as an athlete and as a referee?
A: As a female boxer, I received great support from fellow athletes but societal reactions were not as encouraging.
Boxing was mostly seen as a sport exclusively for men and there was scepticism about women being involved. However, when women’s boxing was introduced to the Olympics in 2012, public perceptions started to change and the sport gained wider recognition.
Becoming an official brought even more challenges. Breaking into a male dominated field meant dealing with societal and professional biases while constantly proving my worth. In a patriarchal society, I soon realised that facing these challenges was something I was passionate about.
I think the secret to my success is always being open to learning and improving
Q: As a referee, how do you maintain impartiality and ensure fair judgement in the ring?
A: My primary concern is always the safety of the boxers. This is the foundation of my role as a referee.
In boxing, it doesn’t matter where the athletes are from or the colour of their skin – our sport recognises only the red and blue corners. This mindset helps me stay impartial and maintain fairness in the ring.
I think the secret to my success is always being open to learning and improving. I treat every bout as a new experience and never take any match for granted. And I reflect on any mistakes I make and use them as opportunities to grow because learning is a journey that never ends.
When I step into the ring, I focus on the athletes’ performance and adhere to the rules. I stay observant, decisive and consistent, and ensure that every decision I make is fair and based on integrity and respect.
My dedication to these values has shaped me into being the referee I am today.
Q: How did it feel to become the first Sri Lankan woman to officiate at the Olympics?
A: Representing my country at the Olympics was a dream come true; but it wasn’t just about me – it was about showing women that they can dream beyond limitations.
The journey was long and demanding, but the joy of making history and proving what is possible for women in this sport was worth every sacrifice.
Q: Reflecting on your time at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games, what would you say were your most memorable experiences?
A: Officiating at the Tokyo Olympics was a deeply emotional experience for me.
I participated during one of the most challenging periods of my life, having lost my father just three months earlier. He was the person who inspired my journey in boxing, and fulfilling his dream without him being there to witness it was heart wrenching.
Despite this, I found strength in the moment and turned it into an opportunity to honour his legacy. I went on to set two boxing records as a referee at the Tokyo Olympics, making it an unforgettable milestone.
The Commonwealth Games was another remarkable experience.
I had the honour of becoming the first Sri Lankan woman to officiate at a Commonwealth Games event. Representing Sri Lanka on such a prestigious platform filled me with pride. Seeing the spirit, determination and diversity of athletes from around the world fuelled my passion for the sport even more.
Both experiences were defining moments in my career, showing me the power of resilience and importance of pushing boundaries.
What really motivates me is the feeling of breaking barriers and creating a path for future generations
Q: So what drives you to continue pushing boundaries in your field?
A: What really motivates me is the feeling of breaking barriers and creating a path for future generations.
It wasn’t an easy journey for a woman in boxing to achieve milestones like officiating at the Olympics. But every challenge I faced made me more determined to pave the way for others.
Q: How do you balance your work as Chief Inspector of the Sri Lanka Police, your passion for boxing and your personal life?
A: I play many roles in my life. I’m an athlete, a referee, a wife, a mother and also a public servant entrusted with significant responsibilities. Balancing all these roles isn’t an easy task but the key lies in prioritising and giving due value and attention to each responsibility as it arises.
Facing life’s challenges with courage has been my greatest ally. No matter how demanding the circumstances, I’ve learned to take on each role with a sense of duty and determination. This balance has enabled me to stay committed to my responsibilities while staying true to my passions.
