SRI LANKA ARMED FORCES DELIVER COMMENDABLE PERFORMANCE AT 4TH INTERNATIONAL MILITARY WRESTLING TOURNAMENT – RUSSIAN DEFENCE MINISTER’S CUP 2026
The 4th International Military Wrestling Tournament for the Cup of the Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation 2026 concluded at the Subedei Sports Complex in Kyzyl, Republic of Tuva, bringing together elite wrestlers from 14 countries.
A total of 121 athletes competed under United World Wrestling (UWW) rules in Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling across 12 medal events over two days. The participating nations included Russia, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Algeria, Tunisia, Brazil, North Korea, Belarus, Sri Lanka, Syria, Armenia, Niger and Mongolia. The team standings remained unchanged from the previous year, with Russia securing first place, followed by the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Belarus.
Sri Lanka was represented by a four-member contingent from the Armed Forces, comprising three airmen from the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) and one soldier from the Sri Lanka Army. The team was led by Chief of Mission and Secretary of SLAF Wrestling, Wing Commander Viraj Gamage.
The Sri Lankan contingent comprised the following athletes:
Leading Aircraftman KBR Kalyana – 125 kg
Leading Aircraftman WSN Walpita – 97 kg
Leading Aircraftman NN Samarakkody – 65 kg
Lance Corporal HPDP Pushpakumara (Sri Lanka Army) – 57 kg
Competing against a highly competitive international field featuring Olympic and World Championship medallists, including wrestlers representing CSKA, all four Sri Lankan athletes demonstrated commendable determination, resilience and competitive spirit, securing fourth place in their respective weight categories.
This performance against some of the world’s leading wrestling nations marks a significant achievement for Sri Lanka’s Armed Forces wrestling contingent. It also reflects the growing standard of wrestling within the services and the dedication of Sri Lankan military athletes to competing at the highest international level.
A total of 121 athletes competed under United World Wrestling (UWW) rules in Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling across 12 medal events over two days. The participating nations included Russia, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Algeria, Tunisia, Brazil, North Korea, Belarus, Sri Lanka, Syria, Armenia, Niger and Mongolia. The team standings remained unchanged from the previous year, with Russia securing first place, followed by the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Belarus.
Sri Lanka was represented by a four-member contingent from the Armed Forces, comprising three airmen from the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) and one soldier from the Sri Lanka Army. The team was led by Chief of Mission and Secretary of SLAF Wrestling, Wing Commander Viraj Gamage.
The Sri Lankan contingent comprised the following athletes:
Leading Aircraftman KBR Kalyana – 125 kg
Leading Aircraftman WSN Walpita – 97 kg
Leading Aircraftman NN Samarakkody – 65 kg
Lance Corporal HPDP Pushpakumara (Sri Lanka Army) – 57 kg
Competing against a highly competitive international field featuring Olympic and World Championship medallists, including wrestlers representing CSKA, all four Sri Lankan athletes demonstrated commendable determination, resilience and competitive spirit, securing fourth place in their respective weight categories.
This performance against some of the world’s leading wrestling nations marks a significant achievement for Sri Lanka’s Armed Forces wrestling contingent. It also reflects the growing standard of wrestling within the services and the dedication of Sri Lankan military athletes to competing at the highest international level.
