BY RICHARD MENANOPO
Solomon Islands amateur boxing has received a major boost after the Solomon Islands Amateur Boxing Association (SIABA) officially secured its place among the country’s recognised national sporting federations under the National Sports Council (NSC) 2026 registration framework.
The move sees SIABA become the 15th federation registered with NSC, strengthening the sport’s position within the national sporting structure and opening more opportunities for athletes, coaches and the development of boxing from grassroots level through to high performance.
NSC announced the registration yesterday, describing the milestone as another important step towards strengthening sports governance, athlete pathways and the continued growth of amateur boxing in Solomon Islands.
For a sport that has produced several talented athletes who have represented the country at regional and international competitions, the recognition provides a clearer platform for boxing development and future national team preparation.
“Boxing has a proud history in Solomon Islands and has consistently produced talented athletes who have represented the country at regional and international competitions,” NSC stated.
The council added that SIABA will now play an important role in developing the sport through structured programmes that promote discipline, sportsmanship and excellence among athletes.
Under the new registration framework, SIABA will have access to key NSC support services including the use of national sporting facilities for national squad training and access to the High Performance Centre to assist with athlete preparation and development.
NSC said local boxing competitions organised by the federation will also benefit from a minimal venue hire arrangement, while international events will continue under standard event charges.
The registration also strengthens SIABA’s pathway towards establishing recognised national squads, with the federation eligible to nominate a Senior Men’s National Squad, Senior Women’s National Squad and priority age-group squads for both male and female athletes.
According to NSC, the registration was approved by the council’s board, with SIABA also committing to complete important governance requirements including its Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for August 2026.
The AGM will include the election of office bearers and necessary constitutional amendments as SIABA continues to work alongside NSC to align with national sports governance standards.
“SIABA’s registration reflects NSC’s ongoing commitment to strengthening governance, building sustainable athlete pathways, and supporting national federations to develop and compete successfully at regional and international levels,” NSC said.
With boxing now officially part of the NSC network, SIABA joins other registered sporting bodies including swimming, weightlifting, netball, basketball, rugby, taekwondo, volleyball, athletics, cricket, football, hockey, tennis, floorball and powerlifting.
The latest addition highlights the growing push within Solomon Islands sport to create stronger structures for national federations while providing athletes with improved opportunities to progress from local competition to international representation.
Amateur boxing has been one of the established combat sports in Solomon Islands, with local boxers competing in regional events including the Pacific Games and other international competitions.
Through SIABA’s continued development work, the sport remaina focused on identifying talent, promoting competitive boxing and creating pathways for athletes to represent Solomon Islands on the regional and global stage.
Photo credit: NSC/SINIS
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