The ASBC Asian Under-22 and Youth Boxing Championships 2025, organised by the Boxing Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) in collaboration with the Asian Boxing Confederation (ASBC) and the International Boxing Association (IBA) will commence tomorrow at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium in Colombo.
This landmark tournament marks the historic return of top-tier Asian boxing to Sri Lanka after 57 years.
Over 400 athletes and officials from more than 25 countries are set to participate.
Boxing powerhouses such as India, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Australia and Thailand will be among the competing nations, making this one of the most significant multi-nation sporting events the island has hosted in recent times.
These details were revealed by the President of the Boxing Association of Sri Lanka Anuruddha Shanaka Bandara during a media briefing held at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel in Colombo.
He further noted that Sri Lanka will be fielding a 33-member (Men and Women) squad for this event, which is the largest representation by the island nation in their 57-year-old boxing history.
The BASL President also said the meet will cost nearly Rs. 180m but the gates will be open for the public free of charge. He hoped that Sri Lanka would be able to win at least 10 medals at this event.
Speaking about the significance of the tournament, Tharanga Perera, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, stated that this is about showcasing Sri Lanka’s potential as a sports destination, developing local talent and placing the country firmly on the global sporting map.
He further added that thanks to the Ministry of Sports, the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and Cinnamon Hotels, the official hospitality partner, Sri Lanka is fully prepared to deliver a world-class experience for athletes, officials, and spectators.
The championship is open to boxers born in specific years. The Under-22 category includes athletes born between 2003 and 2006 while the Youth category is open to those born in 2007 and 2008.
Underlining the prestige of the event is expected to attend the finals. He has pledged a total prize fund of US $100,000.
Gold medallists will receive US $1,000, silver medallists will be awarded US $500 and bronze medallists will earn US $250.
Interim President of the ASBC Aziz Kozhambetov of Kazakhstan has also confirmed his presence for the finals, further reinforcing the tournament’s stature on the international boxing calendar. The first competition day is scheduled for tomorrow and the finals will take place on May 22 and 23.
