Nis, Serbia, Sunday:
Boxers from 10 African nations are among a total number of 239 boxers from 51 teams entered for the IBA Women’s World Championships that officially launched here on Saturday with a night of music and performances at the Čair Sports Complex.
The grand opening ceremony of the 2025 championships gives the boxing family a warm welcome on its return to Serbia, in the host city of Niš.
Speeches celebrated the female boxers and wished them well on International Women’s Day, before a night of music and performances saw the night out at the Čair Sports Complex.
All teams participated in the Athletes’ Parade prior to the official opening on Saturday with representatives of the teams from all continents proudly waving their flags in front of packed Čair arena, signaling the kick-off of the major women’s event.
African nations entered here are Cape Verde (one boxer), Ethiopia (three), Nigeria (one), Kenya (eight), Morocco (seven), Sierra Leone (three), South Africa (eight), Tanzania (five), Tunisia (one) and Zimbabwe (three).
Minister of Sport of Serbia, Zoran Gajić, was the first to send his well wishes in his speech and promised a “special focus” on improving women’s sport over the next decade.
‘The excellence of women in sport always inspires us and reminds us how important equality, respect and togetherness are,’ said Gajić, ‘This moment is not only a celebration of sports competition, but also a symbol of the fight for equality, change and progress.’
Nenad Borovčanin, President of the Serbian Boxing Federation, added: ‘Serbia is the host of the IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships and the whole world can see the matches broadcasted from here.
“We are proud to host the World Championships with support from the IBA, Serbian Olympic Committee, the city of Niš and the Ministry of Sport.’
IBA President Umar Kremlev officially declared the 14th edition of the IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships open, before a night of entertainment got underway.
‘It’s very symbolic that we open our Women’s World Boxing Championships on International Women’s Day,’ said President Kremlev, ‘Athletes, your success extends far beyond victories in the ring; each of you serves as a living example of achievement for millions of girls around the globe.’
President went on to say, ‘Let us join together to make these World Championships days in Niš truly unforgettable. Ahead lies an uncompromising yet fair contest, friendships between athletes from different countries, and undoubtedly, new great achievements.’
Traditional Serbian folk dancing and contemporary dance was followed by musical performances by Italian singer Benedetta Caretta, as well as Eurovision star Ivana Boom Nikolic and Pedja Jovanovic, both from Serbia. (IBA)
(IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships kicks off on 9 March with an evening session at 18:00 CET and will be live streamed fully on the IBA YouTube channel. All draws, schedules and results are available on IBA website. Photos can be found on IBA Flickr channel.)
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