▪️The Ireland federation is engaging World Boxing to explore alternative routes of qualifying for the Youth Olympics
Boxing Ireland regrets to confirm that Team Ireland has been withdrawn from World U19 Futures Championship in Thailand due to the unforeseen closure of Qatari airspace, which has significantly disrupted travel routes to the host destination.
Our team of 8 athletes, 3 coaches and Team Manager were due to depart for Bangkok, via Doha, on Tuesday.
Boxing Ireland has been in constant contact with travel partners and World Boxing since Saturday morning, attempting to identify alternative routes of travel. Given the size of the team, their requirements for acclimatization on arrival and the competition schedule, it is clear travel arrangements cannot be secured in a safe, timely, and reliable manner.
The wellbeing of our athletes, and the team’s leadership, is our absolute priority and this decision has not been taken lightly. We recognise the immense commitment and sacrifice made by our young athletes and their families in preparation for these championships. To have this opportunity impacted by circumstances beyond our control is profoundly disappointing for all involved.
Boxing Ireland is engaging with World Boxing to explore alternative qualifying routes for the Youth Olympic Games, to be held in Senegal this Autumn.
All of the team have been invited to participate in the 2026 National BG4, J1 and J2 Championships by the Officer Board of Central Council in recognition of the fact they cannot compete at the World U19 Futures Championships for reasons beyond their control. In the absence of preparation for this championship, all members of this team would have been in a position to contest their provincial championships.
