Visakhapatnam: The second edition of the Elite Men’s Boxing Championship kicked off here at Swarna Bharathi stadium in Vizag city with intense punches and colourful cultural activities on Tuesday. Kranti Kumar from Vizag brought cheers to Andhra fans with an impressive win on Tuesday evening. Over 300 boxers, including the country’s top pugilists like former World Championship Bronze medalist Shiva Thapa and former Commonwealth Gold medalist Manoj Kumar, will fight for top honours in the National Championship.
The blue riband event of Indian boxing was inaugurated by Dinesh Gayen, member staff of Indian Railways and President of RSPB, President of Boxing Federation of India (BFI) Ajay Singh and Secretary of RSPB Rekha Yadav, DRM Waltair Mukul Saran Mathur. “This is the second edition of Elite Men’s National Championship and I am sure like the first edition of the Championship, lot of new talent will be identified in this platform,” BFI President Ajay Singh said at the glittering opening ceremony.
“The participation of 309 boxers from 37 states and sports promotion boards of the country shows how important this tournament is for the boxers and I am sure this Championship will provide the right platform for many more champions to emerge.” “I am thankful to the Railway Sports Promotion Board for organising the Men’s National Championship and for extending their support for the promotion of boxing in the country.,” he added.
The first edition of this tournament was successfully held in Guwahati last year; it is being held with support from RSPB in Visakhapatnam, a city that has produced many legends such as Dennis Swamy for the country in the boxing ring. The week-long boxing Championship will feature a total of 37 teams, including state associations, and will see a solid tally of 309 boxers who will be looking for medals and a place in the national squad.
