Heat troubles crowds & boxers on the second day of India Boxing

Our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI: Crowds and participating boxers had a trying time on the second day of India Boxing as the air conditioners of the Nabin Chandra Bordoloi Indoor stadium were out of function.

Six times World Champion Mary Kom, after winning her quarterfinal bout against Mala Rai of Nepal, today admitted that she was a little bit surprised to see that the AC was not functioning. Mala Rai hardly put any challenge to Mary but the boxers looked very exhausted after the bout.

“I have earlier visited the stadium and also took part in the championship. That time everything was right and didn’t face any trouble. But I don’t know what has happened today. There may be some technical problem. However, I don’t have any complaint. As a player, I have to adjust any condition quickly and I did it here too,” said Mary.

On condition of anonymity, an official from the Assam Boxing Association said that they too were surprised that the AC was not functioning. “We’ve already pointed out the matter to the authority concerned and requested them to sort out the problem as early as possible,” said the official.

When contacted the chairman of the organizing committee, Lakhya Konwar, today admitted that there is problem with the AC and it would take some time to repair. Talking to The Sentinel, Konwar said, “We’ve already discussed the matter with the authority and they informed us that it would take time to make the AC functioning again. So we are making alternative arrangements and will put some Tower AC inside the stadium to check the heat.”

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