The colourful opening Ceremony of the Tournament was graced by Chief Guest General Jagath Jayasuriya, Sri Lanka's Chief of Defence Staff, and Guest of Honour, Sports Director General Ranjani Jayakody, with the participation of all eleven boxing teams, namely Australia, Belgium, Chinese Taipei, Indonesia, Kenya, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and host nation Sri Lanka.

Monday was the first day of the 4-day long international tournament, showcasing boxing skills of eleven countries, including host nation Sri Lanka. A total number of 15 adrenaline-packed preliminary bouts were held on Monday, amidst the loud cheer and support from a packed audience, with four Sri Lankans moving forward to the next round.

Four boxers of Sri Lankan Development team made it to the semi-finals Monday night when they beat their opponents in their respective bouts. Malith Prabhashwara (light fly weight – 46kg), N G H Jayaweera (bantam weight – 56kg), R M A D Gunathillake (Light weight – 60kg) and Damith Wijeratne (light welter weight – 64kg) were the pugilists who were through to the semis.