Itanagar, July 9 – The Don Bosco College ground in Itanagar came alive on Sunday as the 5th Junior Boys National Boxing Championship kicked off with a vibrant cultural program. This year’s championship, organized by the Arunachal Amateur Boxing Association (AABA) under the auspices of the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) and with the support of the Directorate of Sports, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, has set a new record with the highest number of young boxers participating.
The event was inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu, who extended a warm welcome to all the participants, technical officials, and esteemed guests. Chief Minister Khandu highlighted the remarkable growth of sports in Arunachal Pradesh and expressed gratitude to the Central Government for allocating a Center of Excellence for sports development in the state.
Praising the transformative impact of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Indian sports scene, Chief Minister Khandu acknowledged the rising presence of Indian players in major global tournaments. He emphasized the state’s commitment to enhancing sports infrastructure and support systems to enable talented athletes to excel in national and international events.
The championship’s guest of honor was Mama Natung, the Arunachal Sports and Youth Welfare Minister, and Hemanta Kumar Kalita, the Secretary General of the Boxing Federation of India (BFI), was present as a special guest. Chief Minister Khandu extended his best wishes to all the boxers and coaches, encouraging them to give their best in the tournament and proudly represent the country.
The 5th Junior Boys National Boxing Championship boasts an impressive participation of 367 boxers from 35 states and Union Territories, making it one of the largest boxing events in the country. With 34 bouts scheduled for the opening day, the championship promises intense competition and thrilling displays of boxing prowess.
BFI Secretary General Hemanta Kumar Kalita hailed the historic nature of the event, emphasizing the significant number of boxers involved. The championship is set to continue until July 14, culminating in the crowning of national champions in various weight categories.
The 5th Junior Boys National Boxing Championship serves as a platform to identify and nurture young talents who have the potential to make a mark in the world of boxing. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on these rising stars as they demonstrate their skills and vie for glory in the ring.
