The first ever national boxing championship which is being held in Roshanabad Haridwar following re-election of Boxing Federation of India (BFI) to office after four long years of administrative turmoil foresees futuristic selections for Asiad and Olympic Games, say the organisers. The selection of boxing champions for Olympic and Asiad would be done amongst these players only.
Apart from the office bearers of BFI, a five- member team has also reached the city to assist the selection committee. The final matches would be played on November 24 and based on the performance of the women boxers and their scores, the players would be chosen to represent the country.
Notably, there had been some disputes in the BFI four years ago on account of election of office bearers. With the intervention of the International Boxing Association, the re-elections were held. Now representatives from all 29 States of India and seven Union Territories are battling for their title in this national championship.
Many international players like Kavita Chehal, Chhotu laura and Jamuna Bora are competing in this National championship. Member of selection committee of FBI and Dronacharya award winner, Rajkumar told The Pioneer, “Many of our talents taking back seat with the administrative tussles, this championship has brought a ray of hope for our players after four years. The selection committee which comprises boxing stalwarts like coach of Indian boxing team GS Sandhu, Captain Gopal Dewan, Padam Bahadur Mal and other officials of the boxing federation are determined to fish out the best talent of India.”
Each day after the completion of the bouts, the results are declared and Thursday would see the final closing ceremony with award winners and the finalists for the Olympic and Asian Games.
Arjun awardee Kavita Chehal who is eyeing for gold medal in this championship said, “I started the journey in 2007 from National Games in Guwahati winning bronze medal and have won gold medal 20 times at national level championships. This time also I am eyeing for gold and wish to bring my country on the top at the international level.”