On October 6, in Urumqi, Xinjiang, Kazakhstan’s boxer Otan Yelsen celebrated his victory as the referee raised his arm, embracing his Mongolian opponent in a display of mutual respect. “The professionalism of the event and the enthusiasm of the audience give me confidence as I strive for the championship,” he stated.

The “Sports Lottery Cup” China·Xinjiang International Boxing Invitational also kicked off on the same day, taking place at two venues in Horgos and the Ancient Eco-Park in Xinjiang. Nearly 200 athletes from 12 teams representing China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Thailand, and Mongolia will showcase their talents over the four-day event, emphasizing camaraderie through sport.

“This tournament follows the current International Boxing Association competition rules,” noted Ruslanb Panayev, a boxing referee from Uzbekistan. The competition features both senior and youth categories across 13 weight classes, utilizing a single-elimination format to determine rankings.

“Inside the ring, athletes fiercely compete for victory, but once they step outside, they form friendships, sharing meals and conversations. This really captures the true spirit of competition,” Panayev added.

The Invitational is part of the upcoming 2024 “Belt and Road” International Youth Boxing Exchange Conference, which is organized by the General Administration of Sport of China’s Weightlifting, Wrestling, and Judo Centre, the Boxing and Taekwondo Administration, and the China Boxing Association.

The conference will run until October 10 and will feature activities such as an international youth boxing training camp, coaching and referee training sessions, and demonstrations of conditioning technology.

According to the organizers, the event serves as a valuable platform for boxers from diverse nations while promoting the exchange and integration of boxing cultures on a global scale.