Gangtok, November 18: Sikkim Amateur Boxing Association (SABA) is all set to host the 24th Sub Junior Men’s National Boxing Tournament in Sikkim for the first time at Paljor Stadium from December 5 to 8. It was informed by the President of SABA SD Negi in a press meet. The tournament is indeed the first of its kind national event being held in Sikkim under the aegis of Indian Boxing Federation (IBF), Negi added.

A total of 35 teams from throughout the country will be participating in the tournament with 14 boxers of age 11-16 years in each team. The bouts are played under two categories which are divided into age group and weight group as per the rules and regulations of IBF.

Negi said that this tournament is a very significant boxing tournament in the country as considered by IBF therefore it will be organized in a significant and auspicious manner in Sikkim . For the same and to confer opportunity of viewing the bouts to everyone, SABA is putting effort to install two boxing rings in an open arena (outdoor), Negi informed. The tournament not only provides a prospect to the budding boxers of the country to fight but also to showcase their skills.

Talking on SABA , Negi said that the Association was commenced with naught in the year 1996 but it has achieved a fundamental progress in the timeframe till date. Our players were raw and the boxing was like a wrestling when SABA was started, he recapitulated. SABA has done a tremendous progress with various achievements in the sport of boxing in regional and national level, Negi added. “We are very hopeful and positive in this tournament”, he said.

For further enhancement of boxing in Sikkim to the competitive level, Negi gave emphasis on establishing a boxing hostel in the state for the talented and budding boxers.

The state boxing coach of SABA Jaslal Pradhan said that a coaching camp is being conducted for the boxers of Sikkim for the same tournament. He further said that Sikkim in its team has 8 promising boxers who can definitely give a tough competition to other teams and can bring laurels to the state.