Assam Boxing Association brace up for 13th Senior Women Nationals

The Assam Amateur Boxing Association (AABA) is busy giving final touches to its preparations for the 13th edition of the Senior National Women’s Boxing Championship, which will be held at the Karmabir Nabin Chandra Bordoloi Indoor Stadium at Sarusajai sports complex in Guwahati from November 25 to 29.

The championship, which is being organized by AABA under the auspices of Indian Amateur Boxing Federation (IABF), will witness the cream of country’s women boxers battling it out for the top honours. “We have put up two rings at the Karmabir Nabin Chandra Bordoloi Indoor Stadium. We are expecting participation of around 200 women pugilists in the five-day event. All the boxers would be lodged at the stadium complex while all the officials would be put up in various city hotels,” Assam Amateur Boxing Association (AABA) president Kali Kanta Boro told Sportskeeda in an exclusive chat.

Around 60 officials from across the country will oversee the smooth conduct of the championship. These 60 officials will be assisted by 40 local officials.

The championship attaches immense significance as it would serve as a selection platform to pick the Indian women’s boxing probables for the 2016 Rio Olympics. “Every boxer knows the significance of this event and would be geared up to give his best shot at a podium finish. I’m sure Guwahati would witness five days of exciting boxing,” Boro added.

London Olympics bronze medallist Mary Kom, however, would not be participating in the championship. She has been invited to grace the opening ceremony as guest. Even Beijing Olympics bronze medallist Vijender Singh is likely to be present during the event as guest.

The AABA president said the association is leaving no stone unturned to make the championship a success. “The preparations have been going on smoothly and we hope to live up to the expectations of every one by conducting the championship in a grand manner,” he opined.

States like Haryana, Punjab, Manipur and hosts Assam are expected to have a field day. Haryana’s Pinki Jangra (world number 5 in 45-48 kg), Meena Rani (world number 8 in 64 kg) and Pooja Rani (world number 12 in 75 kg), Punjab’s Monica Saun (world number 9 in 69 kg), Manipur’s L Sarita Devi (world number 7 in 60 kg) and Mandakini Chanu (world number 19 in 57 kg), Assam’s trio of Minu Basumatary (world number 6 in 64 kg), Bhagyabati Kachari (world number 12 in 81kg) and Pwailao Basumatary (world number 15 in 54 kg) are expected to lend excitement to the ring.

The organizers have also intimated that arrangements are being made for live telecast of the championship. “DD Sports is likely to provide live telecast of the event,” Boro apprised.

Edited by Staff Editor