URUMQI, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- The 2025 Belt and Road International Youth Boxing Exchange Tournament opened Monday in Urumqi, capital of China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

The opening bout in the 80-kilogram category went to China's Shinar Haru, who edged Cuba's Jeferson by a 3-2 split decision.

"My opponent is a national champion from Cuba. This was our second meeting, and I lost the first one," Shinar said. "Today's fight was tough, but I gained a lot from it. The back-and-forth helped me sharpen my technique."

The event, now in its third edition, aims to strengthen cultural ties and improve boxing skills among young athletes from across the world. More than 400 boxers, coaches and staff from 20 countries, including China, Cuba, Kazakhstan, India and South Korea, are taking part following a week of joint training.

India sent a 57-member delegation, including 20 men and 18 women boxers, along with coaches and support staff.

"We want to use this tournament to raise the level of our young athletes and prepare for the Dakar Youth Olympics next year," India women's team head coach Jitender Raj Singh said. "The organizers in Xinjiang have done a great job. This is also a very good opportunity for cultural exchange."

"Training together these days has helped me much more than training at home," said 16-year-old Kazakh boxer Zhangeldi Alken. "I learned a lot of techniques and had many exchanges. I hope there will be more opportunities like this."

The tournament runs through Aug. 30, with competitions scheduled in Urumqi and in Horgos, a Chinese border city with Kazakhstan. Alongside the fights, the program also features coaching seminars and referee workshops. Enditem