Mary Kom Regional Boxing Foundation hones talent of budding Manipur boxers

The Mary Kom Regional Boxing Foundation in Imphal has been playing a major role to groom budding boxers from the Northeast.

These budding boxers are undergoing rigorous training at the Mary Kom Regional Boxing Foundation in Imphal.

Founded in 2006 at Langol by Olympic Medalist and 6-time world boxing champion MC Mary Kom, the foundation aims to tap the potential of the underprivileged but talented youth from the state and grooms them to become the World Champions.

Around 35 boys and girls from different parts of the Northeast are currently undergoing training at the academy.

Affiliated to Manipur Amateur Boxing Association, the foundation provides free training, boarding, lodging and other expenses for the students.

Grace, one of the boxers at the foundation, said that she wants to become like Mary Kom.

"I want to become a well know player like Mary Kom. My uncle inspired me. He is a kick boxer and he told me to join so, I join here," she said.

Mary Kom has herself borne the entire expenses besides the help received from trustees, local government, contributions from well-wishers and SAI Extension Scheme in the recent years.

The construction work is on to expand the Academy and provide indoor training facilities to the students.

The land has been allotted by the state government.

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has also provided financial support to the academy for construction of a gymnasium hall and procurement of various equipments.

The players from the academy have been performing quite well at state and national level boxing events.

"Seven of the students have received Gold medal in the state level. At national level, the students have received Gold, silver and bronze medals. Two of the students have won bronze medalists in senior level category," said Raju Singh, a boxer from the foundation.

Youth in the Northeast are naturally inclined towards sports and have the potential to bring accolades to the country when provided with the right kind of training and guidance.

The Mary Kom Regional Boxing Foundation is a step in that direction.