Afghan boxer Ferdaws Najibi reaches Asian Youth Championship final

Najibi becomes first Afghan to reach youth boxing final in Sri Lanka, securing silver and eyeing gold against Kazakhstan

KABUL, Afghanistan (MNTV) — Afghan boxer Ferdaws Najibi has made history by advancing to the final of the 2025 Asian Youth Boxing Championships, becoming the first athlete from Afghanistan to reach the title match of the prestigious tournament being held in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Competing in the 80 kg weight category, Najibi secured his place in the final after a decisive victory over his opponent from Saudi Arabia. 

With this win, he has already guaranteed at least a silver medal, marking a major milestone for Afghan boxing on the continental stage.

Najibi is now set to face a Kazakhstani boxer in the final on Friday, May 23. 

A win would not only earn him a gold medal but also solidify his place among Afghanistan’s top sporting figures.

His achievement is being celebrated as a breakthrough moment for the country’s boxing community, which has continued to grow and gain international recognition despite political and logistical challenges faced by athletes in Afghanistan.

Even securing silver is seen as a landmark success. It signals the rising potential of Afghan youth in combat sports and reflects years of perseverance by athletes and coaches working with limited resources.

This isn’t the first time Afghan boxing has made waves in the region. 

In 2024, Qais Alizada reached the final of the Asian Under-22 Championship in Astana, Kazakhstan. He claimed silver in the 80 kg division after an impressive semifinal victory over an Indian opponent.

The 2025 Asian Youth Boxing Championships feature competitors from 23 countries, including regional powers such as India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Australia. 

Given the tournament’s high technical standard, Najibi’s progress to the final is being hailed as a remarkable feat for Afghan sport.