Over 150 pugilists for boxing nationals

Action from a previous boxing meet (File photo)

By Susil Premalal

The Boxing Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) is set to host the 96th National Boxing Championships for Men and Women from January 13 to 17 at the Royal MAS Arena in Colombo commencing at 4.00 p.m. each day.

This will provide a crucial platform for boxers to earn an opportunity to represent Sri Lanka at international level competitions during the Olympic year.
The national selection committee will choose boxers for the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit - 1st and 2nd World Qualifying Tournaments.

Additionally, a national boxing pool will be formed based on participants’ performances which will pave the way for 2024 international boxing tournaments.
Nearly 150 boxers from 20 clubs including representatives from the Army BC, Navy BC, Air Force BC and Police BC are set to compete in the tournament.
13 weight categories for Men and 12 weight classes for Women, eligibility criteria include; gold or silver medalists from the novice boxing tournament, intermediate boxing tournament, Stubbs Shield Championship and gold medallists from the junior national boxing championships.

Women boxers with medals from the novices, intermediate or school boxing tournaments (schools/junior/youth) are eligible if they are between 19 years and 40 years.
The Technical meeting and Official draw will be held on January 12 from 3.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. at the Royal MAS Arena.

Boxer seeding is based on performances from the 2022 national championships, the Layton Cup Tournament 2023 and the Clifford Cup Championships 2023.
Teenage sensation Umayanga Mihiran and Nishadi Malshani were recognised as the Best Boxers (Men and Women) at the 95th National Boxing Championship.