Guwahati hosts boxing tournament to encourage young pugilists

The success of Mary Kom, Shiva Thapa and Devendro Singh in the boxing arena has motivated northeast youngsters to take up boxing as a career.

Recently, 59th School Girls National Boxing Tournament held in Guwahati to encourage young pugilists.

The four-day long event was organised by the Directorate of sports and youth affairs, Assam under the banner of School Games federation of India with an aim to promote boxing.

Around 319 girls from 18 states participated in the tournament.

"It's very necessary to organize games for children for their physical development, health and mental growth. Just as there are books to develop mental growth likewise there should be sports for physical and

health growth, said Jatin, an organizer.

"I am playing here for the first time and I won my match so I am very happy," said Roshan Sonia, a participant from Uttarakhand.

The Northeast has produced several boxing icons like Mary Kom, Shiva Thapa and Devendro Singh who have won laurels for the country at the international level.

The success of these sportspersons provides inspiration to many aspiring boxers. Several such events are regularly held to give the youngsters a platform to showcase their skills.

"I want to become a great boxer and want to bring laurels for Assam and India," said Tomina Bodo.

There is no doubt that youth from the region are second to none in terms of talent. Providing such platforms to them will give them the necessary exposure to hone their skills.