97th National Boxing Championship set to commence at Galle Face Green today

History will be made when the National Boxing Championship is held outdoors at the iconic Galle Face Green. This landmark event, organised by the Tri Forces and Police and endorsed by the Sri Lanka Tourism Bureau, promises to be more than just a competition – it is a celebration of sports tourism and a bold step toward hosting international boxing events in Sri Lanka. The event will commence today.

“This championship is a significant milestone for Sri Lankan boxing,” said Anuruddha Shanaka Bandara, President of the Boxing Association of Sri Lanka (BASL). “It’s not only a showcase of our country’s boxing talent but also a launchpad for our ambitious ‘Road to LA28’ project, aimed at securing Olympic qualification and medals at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.”

Promoted as a premier sports tourism event, the Nationals serve as a dress rehearsal for BASL’s broader vision of positioning Sri Lanka as a hub for international boxing. The championship will also identify and prepare a talent pool to represent the country at the 2026 Commonwealth and Asian Games.

A Year of Achievements

The Nationals cap an eventful season for Sri Lankan boxing. The country’s pugilists shone at international competitions in Seychelles, Chinese Taipei, and Thailand, with the highlight being Sri Lanka’s participation in the Asian Elite Boxing Championships in Chiang Mai. There, Umayanga Mihiran ended a 37-year medal drought by clinching a bronze. Mihiran, who narrowly missed Paris Olympic qualification after two victories in Bangkok, will be the star attraction as he looks to further cement his legacy.

“This event is about recognising our athletes’ achievements and building on their successes,” Bandara added. “It’s a celebration of their hard work and a platform to propel them to even greater heights.”

The Championship promises intense duels across multiple divisions, with over 100 elite pugilists returning to the ring to cap a period of remarkable achievements. Clifford Cup Best Boxer and Seychelles gold medalist Suranga Fernando and Rukmal Prasanna will spearhead a formidable Army team, expected to dominate the men’s division.

Meanwhile, Air Force’s Ishara Thushari Perera, last year’s Best Boxer at the Nationals, is set to make her much-anticipated return alongside Chinthana Udayakumara, another Seychelles gold medalist.

Adding to the excitement, 20-year-old Yazmin Usaith of St Sylvester’s BC, who has remained unbeaten this season, will be eyeing his first national title and underlining his reputation as a rising star.

Also returning will be Police’s Hasitha Jinadasa, the Best Boxer at the Layton Cup.

Navy are also expected to make a strong challenge having undergone a special training session in Trincomalee ahead of the Championship.

The women’s division is equally competitive, with Air Force’s seasoned pugilist and multiple national champion Sajeewani Cooray leading the charge along with Nishadi Malshani, both of whom missed out on selection for the Asian meet.

Vidyarathena SC’s Sachini Fernando, who clinched the Best Boxer title at the Clifford Cup, as well as Army’s Sanduni Priyadarshani, are both poised to make a significant impact.

A World-Class Event

To ensure international standards and transparency, five Olympic-level officials from Kazakhstan, South Korea, and Ireland will oversee the bouts. The event will also be broadcast live by PEO Sports, with daily action starting at 4:00 PM.

“We’re pulling out all the stops to make this a world-class event,” Bandara said. “Galle Face Green, with its stunning backdrop of the Arabian Sea, will be transformed into a pristine boxing arena. Giant LED screens will bring the action to life for fans in Colombo, making this an unforgettable experience.”

The 97th National Boxing Championship promises to be a spectacle of skill, passion, and determination, setting the stage for Sri Lanka’s boxing future.