Historic 97th National Boxing Championship Kicks Off at Galle Face Green

This marks the first-ever outdoor staging of the prestigious event, which runs from January 23 to 26. The championship is organized by the Tri Forces and Police, with strong support from the Sri Lanka Tourism Bureau, blending sports with tourism promotion.

Anuruddha Shanaka Bandara, President of the Boxing Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), highlighted the importance of this event, stating, “This championship is a landmark for Sri Lankan boxing. It’s not just about showcasing talent, but also the beginning of our ‘Road to LA28’ project, aimed at achieving Olympic success in Los Angeles 2028.”

Over 100 elite boxers, including international medalists and emerging talents, are set to compete. The star of the event is Umayanga Mihiran, who recently ended Sri Lanka’s 37-year medal drought with a bronze at the Asian Elite Boxing Championships. Mihiran, who narrowly missed out on qualifying for the Paris Olympics, is expected to be a key attraction.

To ensure high standards and fairness, international Olympic-level officials from Kazakhstan, South Korea, and Ireland will oversee the proceedings. The championship’s daily bouts will begin at 4:00 PM, with live coverage on PEO Sports, bringing the excitement to viewers across the country.

The 97th National Boxing Championship promises to be a thrilling showcase of boxing talent and a pivotal moment for Sri Lankan sports as the country sets its sights on future Olympic success.