ASBC lauds SL’s preparations for historic boxing meet

ASBC Sports Director Marina Ni (Pic by Pradeep Pathirana)

By Allaam Ousman 

Sri Lanka is on the brink of making sporting history as it prepares to host the ASBC Asian Under-22 and Youth Boxing Championships, the first-ever continental boxing tournament to be held on the island since 1967. 

Scheduled to commence in less than a week at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium in Colombo, the event has drawn praise from the Asian Boxing Confederation (ASBC) for the country’s thorough preparations and collaborative efforts.

Marina Ni, Sports Director of the ASBC, expressed strong confidence in Sri Lanka’s readiness during an exclusive interview. 

“This is a historic moment,” she stated, referring to the significance of Sri Lanka hosting an Asian boxing championship for the first time after more than five decades. 

Ni lauded the commitment shown by the Ministry of Sports, the Boxing Association of Sri Lanka, and other stakeholders, emphasising the power of unity in bringing the event together.

Marina, who hails from Kazakhstan and took up the role of ASBC Sports Director in December, first visited Colombo in February for a site inspection. 

“I came for a preliminary visit, checked the venue and hotels and I approved everything. The Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium is spacious and well-equipped. Everything looked good then - and now, preparations are going very well,” she said.

She noted the seamless collaboration among key players. “Everyone is working together - the Boxing Association, the government, the tourism sector. Accommodation, logistics, and facilities are all in place. We visited the venue again today, and everything is progressing smoothly.”

According to Marina, the ASBC’s decision to award hosting rights to Sri Lanka was part of a larger vision to elevate the sport in the region. 

“We want to support Sri Lanka in bringing boxing to the forefront. When young people watch live bouts - on TV or at the venue - it inspires them. Even those not currently involved might develop interest after witnessing the action. That’s why exposure is crucial,” she said.

So far, 25 countries have confirmed participation, with approximately 270 boxers registered, according to Marina. This includes elite teams from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, India, and Australia. Final numbers will be verified during the Sport Entries Check scheduled for May 11.

Marina also highlighted the morale-boosting effect of home advantage. “It’s great for your country to have their athletes competing on home soil. When boxers fight in front of a home crowd, they often perform better because of the local support.” 

Looking ahead, she expressed optimism about Sri Lanka’s boxing leadership headed by Anuruddha Shanaka Bandara. “Your new president and team seem young and energetic. I see potential for big improvement and development in the years ahead.”

On prize money being awarded to medal winners, Marina said: “This is a great development. The President of the International Boxing Association, Umar Kremlev, has confirmed it - gold medallists will receive US $1,000, silver medallists US $500 and bronze medallists US $250. It’s an important step, as it helps support athletes and their families.”