IBA confirms Sri Lanka a strong contender to host World Boxing Championships

By Allaam Ousman 

Sri Lanka has emerged as a strong contender to host the 2026 IBA World Boxing Championships, following the resounding success of the ASBC Asian Under-22 and Youth Boxing Championships held in Colombo earlier this month.

The event, hosted by the Boxing Association of SriLanka (BASL) under the leadership of President Anuruddha Shanaka Bandara, has earned international praise for its exceptional organisation, hospitality, and dedication to providing the best experience for athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators.

Speaking during his visit to Colombo, IBA Secretary General and CEO Chris Roberts OBE lauded the efforts of the national federation and local authorities.

“Sri Lanka would wish to be considered to host an IBA World Championships for the very first time in history,” Roberts stated. “New bidding guidelines will be produced very shortly to support this brilliant potential initiative and to give an opportunity to go through the bidding process. Seeing the enthusiasm and commitment of Sri Lanka Boxing Association and the local government, I believe that the country could be a strong candidate in the future.”
Roberts was accompanied by ASBC Interim President Aziz Kozhambetov, IBA Board Member Dian Gomes, and Bandara, in a key meeting with the Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage, to explore the country’s readiness to host a world-level competition.

The BASL has clearly signalled its ambition not only to showcase Sri Lanka’s capability on the world stage but also to deepen boxing development and inspire the next generation of athletes.

Dian Gomes, a formerBASL President, emphasised the importance of the sport for the nation’s youth.

“I can see how the boxing landscape has been changing in Sri Lanka over the years, and it’s great to see how the country hosted an excellent continental event here in Colombo,” Gomes said.

“Our boxers and senior government officials have been inspired by this championship in the capital. We perfectly know that boxing is one of the largest growing sports in our country, and we welcome all future opportunities.”

A joint statement by the International Boxing Association (IBA) and Asian Boxing Confederation (ASBC) reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s position as a strong candidate to host the 2026 

World Championships, once the official bidding process begins.

The recently concluded tournament brought together boxing teams from 23 nations, and Sri Lanka not only excelled as host but also achieved its best-ever medal haul at an international event, highlighting its progress in the ring and as an organising power.

With international endorsements, government backing, and a proven track record of staging elite events, Sri Lanka’s bid to host the 2026 World Boxing Championships may soon move from aspiration to reality.