The Boxing Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) will conduct the 97th edition of the National Boxing Championship for men and women at the Galle Face Green from January 23 to 26, 2025.
Marking a historic first, the championship will be held at an outdoor venue, continuing BASL’s mission of bringing the sport closer to the people following the previous outdoor events at Negombo Beach and Kandy.
This year’s championship promises to be a landmark event, with 125 elite boxers from across the country, including a majority from the Tri-Forces and Police, competing in 25 weight categories (13 men’s and 12 women’s).
The event underscores BASL President Anuruddha Shanaka Bandara’s vision of preparing Sri Lankan boxers for international success, with an eye on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Bandara aims to form a national pool of top athletes from this championship to represent Sri Lanka at major international tournaments, including the 2026 Commonwealth Games and Asian Games following Sri Lanka’s recent success at the Asian Elite Boxing Championship in Thailand, where Umayanga Mihiran ended a 37-year drought by clinching a bronze medal.
Adding an international dimension to the championship, five Olympic-level referees have been invited to officiate, ensuring transparency and world-class standards in decision-making.
“This championship marks the beginning of a new chapter for Sri Lankan boxing,” said Bandara. “Our goal is not just to identify talent but to prepare our athletes for global success. By hosting this event at Galle Face Green, we are taking boxing to the people, creating awareness, and building a larger fan base for the sport.”
