Sri Lanka one of 48 new full members of World Boxing

Sri Lanka Boxing president Anuruddha Shanaka Bandara (left) with newly elected World Boxing president Gennady Golovkin of Kazakhstan

By Susil Premalal

The World Boxing Congress (WBC) concluded its 2025 session by approving 48 new National Federations as full members, marking one of the largest expansions in the organisation’s history. 

This move strengthens World Boxing’s commitment to transparent, athlete-centred governance and global growth.

The new members were admitted after fulfilling all statutory requirements, expanding representation across all continents and reinforcing the sport’s development pathways ahead of upcoming international events. 
Asia played a prominent role at the Congress, with Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, DPR Korea, and Vietnam gaining full membership

The Congress also confirmed the final list of National Federations eligible to vote in 2025, alongside Associate Members and those pending due to outstanding requirements, reflecting World Boxing’s emphasis on accountability and good standing.

With 48 new full members and more expected for the 2026 Congress, World Boxing enters a new era of broader representation and stronger continental collaboration. For Asia, this development reinforces its leadership role in modern Olympic-style boxing.