Sri Lanka’s 2025 National Boxing Championship has plunged into controversy, with allegations of mismanagement, rights violations and corruption risks raising serious questions about the integrity of the sport’s administration.
The 2025 Sri Lanka National Boxing Championship, scheduled to be held in Horana on Sunday, January 26, has triggered widespread criticism within the sports community. The event, organised in the style of a “Polonnaruwa Bakmaha Festival,” has drawn sharp reactions from athletes, clubs and sports administrators who question both its planning and execution.
One of the primary concerns relates to substandard organisational practices. Despite the availability of international standard boxing stadiums with proper infrastructure across the country, the decision to stage a national championship on a temporarily constructed platform at the Horana Municipal Council Stadium has surprised many. Critics argue that while suitable venues are secured for international tournaments, hosting the country’s premier boxing event in such an informal setting undermines the prestige of the sport.
Serious allegations have also been raised over arbitrary control and violations of athlete rights. Several leading boxing clubs that were eligible to compete have reportedly been excluded from the championship. Affected clubs claim this exclusion is malicious, arbitrary and illegal, and that it violates the fundamental rights of boxers who trained specifically for this national event.
Concerns have further intensified around the risk of corruption and match manipulation. Sports critics warn that the championship could become vulnerable to gambling related activities and match fixing for financial gain. Allegations of biased judging have also emerged, with claims that inexperienced referees who are closely associated with the chairman are being used, potentially influencing match outcomes.
Another point of criticism is the apparent prioritisation of entertainment over sporting standards. Members of the boxing community say that festivals, shows and concerts are being emphasised at the expense of preserving the dignity and competitive integrity of boxing.
Financial transparency has also come under scrutiny. Clubs point out that the association’s accounts have not yet been audited by the Auditor General. As a result, there are growing calls for an immediate investigation by a special unit tasked with preventing misconduct in sports.
Amid these concerns, affected boxing clubs have indicated they are preparing to pursue legal action, raising serious doubts about whether the current administration remains fit to govern Sri Lanka’s national boxing body.
