India Open Will Witness Six Assam Boxers: Hemanta Kalita

Our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI: Guwahati is all set to organize another International boxing championship and this time it is India open. The secretary of the Assam Boxing Association Hemanta Kalita in a conversation with The Sentinel disclosed the details of the meet

TS: Guwahati will host another international boxing meet. Tell us about the competition?

This time 2nd India Open Boxing championship will be held in Guwahati. We received confirmation from 14 countries which included Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan,, Thailand, Argentina and around 200 elite boxers are expected to take part in the tournament which will kick off on May 20.

TS: What about the preparation of Indian team...

It is an invitational tournament and host country will put four teams in the championship. The total strength of boxers in Indian team is 19. All top boxers of India including Mary Kom will be seen in action here. There will be also six boxers from Assam in the Indian team and they are Shiva Thapa, Lovlina Borgohain, Bhagyabati Kachari, Pwilao Basumatary, Ankushita Boro and Jamuna Boro. Indian team, which are now undergoing training separately in Patiala and New Delhi, are expected to reach into the city on May 18.

TS:Is there any special importance of this competition to the participating boxers?

Yes. This championship is very crucial for our boxers as the Indian team for the forthcoming World Boxing Championship, scheduled to be held in Russia in September, would be selected from this meet. The world meet will give opportunity to the boxers to book their seats for the next Olympic which would be held in Japan.

TS: Assam Boxing Association already hosted a couple of international Boxing Championships in Guwahati. Had those competitions produced any positive impact in the boxing of the State?

The impact is very positive. Now we have several boxers –Shiva, Lovlina, Bhagyabati, Ankushita, Pwilao, Jamuna…who are consistently performing in the international levels and bringing laurels for country. Their performance also encourages the young players to come in this game.

TS:What about the match officials...

We are also trying to increase the numbers. Boxing Federation of India is trying its best to produce more and more officials in this game and during the forthcoming Championship AIBA will organize a 2 star referee judges examination in Guwahati. Two officials from Assam will also appear in this examination.

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