GUWAHATI, Nov 15 - Leading boxers of the country will be seen in action during the maiden edition of the Elite (Senior) Men�s National Boxing Championship which will be hosted by the Assam Amateur Boxing Association (AABA) at the Karmabir Nabin Chandra Bordoloi Indoor Stadium, Sarusajai here from December 8 to 13.
The secretary of the newly formed Boxing Federation of India (BFI) Joy Kowli, addressing at a press conference here today, said it is mandatory for all the boxers, including Olympians and other internationals, to take part in the national championship otherwise they will not be invited for any national camp. Kowli confirmed that boxers like Shiva Thapa, Manoj Kumar, Vikas Krishan among others will contest in the championship to be held in the city for which preparation is in full swing.
He said, as in the last four years no official tournament was held due to rift between the boxing federation and the Indian Olympic Association, the game in India had to suffer the worst. But after BFI finally got recognition from all corners, including the Central Government last month, now all the boxers and officials are working hard to bring back its glory.
AABA secretary, Hemanta Kumar Kalita, who is also the treasurer of the BFI, said boxers from 33 affiliated States and four units will vie for titles in 10 different weight categories. Altogether 120 ring officials will be deputed by the BFI to conduct the championship.
Kalita further revealed that the selection trial for the Assam team will start at the SAI complex here tomorrow. The AABA has short-listed 19 boxers for the camp. �Olympian Shiva Thapa will be a reserved boxer in his weight category without having any trial. But the other boxers, including Shiva�s brother Govinda Thapa, who is also a national medal winner, have to face selection trials,� Kalita said.
The BFI observer Asit Banerjee hoped that it will be a successful and world class championship as Assam has a good reputation in organising after successfully hosting the National Games, Asian Women Boxing Championship and the South Asian Games.
BFI officials Swapan Banerjee, John F Kharsing were also present on the occasion.
