The Sri Lankan boxing team, which clinched a record 23 medals at the ASBC Asian Under-22 and Youth Boxing Championships, was felicitated yesterday at the Duncan White Auditorium, Sports Ministry, Colombo.

Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage and Deputy Minister and Olympian Sugath Thillakaratne led the ceremony, praising the athletes for their remarkable achievement, which included five silver and 18 bronze medals.

Minister Gamage commended Boxing Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) President Anuruddha Shanaka Bandara for his leadership in hosting the event — the first major international boxing championship in Sri Lanka in nearly 60 years. The tournament saw participation from 23 countries and over 200 athletes, making it a milestone for local sports.

“Even without medals, hosting this championship was the biggest victory,” said Minister Gamage, adding that the International Boxing Association (IBA) has now invited Sri Lanka to host the World Boxing Championships in 2026.

Deputy Minister Thillakaratne encouraged young boxers to aim for Olympic glory in Los Angeles 2028 or the 2032 Games, while BASL President Bandara pledged his commitment to developing boxing in Sri Lanka.