The stage is set and the boxing ring is ready to welcome top men’s talent from around the country to Shillong, which is hosting the 7th Elite Men’s National Boxing Championship tomorrow.
The event is being organised by the Meghalaya Boxing Association (MBA) and Boxing Federation of India (BFI) from November 25 November to December 1 at the SAI Indoor Hall on the NEHU campus.
There are over 300 boxers who will take part in the championship across 13 different weight categories representing states, Union territories, the military, etc. The venue, which has been transformed by the inclusion of two professional boxing rings, was a hive of activity today, with pugilists and officials completing their registration and other formalities.
One of those present was a well-known face to Meghalaya boxing – Torak Kharpran, a renowned exponent of the sport.
A Sports Authority of India coach, Kharpran is here as the coach of the Arunachal Pradesh boxing contingent.
“It’s an opportunity for the young boxers to showcase their talent,” he said of the championship. “It’s one of the preparation events for the Olympic Games. There is a second round of qualifiers coming in Italy for the Olympics and boxers will want to do well here in order to step up to that level.”
Some of these top boxers include the likes of two-time Olympian and six-time Asian Championship medallist Shiva Thapa as well as 2018 Asian Games champion Amit Panghal. Meghalaya, meanwhile, has named nine young boxers to represent the state at the championship.
“For Meghalaya, it’s a great opportunity to host this event but it’s not just about hosting. Seeing these top boxers will inspire our youth,” Kharpran, who was one of the Indian boxing contingent’s coaches at the recent Asian Games in China, added.
The opening ceremony will be attended by Sports & Youth Affairs Minister Shakliar Warjri and Hemanta Kumar Kalita, Secretary General of the Boxing Federation of India.
