After winning laurels for the country at the Commonwealth and the Asian Games 2010, Indian Pugilists are all set to hit the national rings at the Kennan Stadium in Jamshedbur. Once again the home crowd will get to witness impeccable talents battle it out to win the national crown as they take to the rings at the upcoming 34th National Games to be held in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand from February 12th – 26th, 2011.
The multi-sport mega event will showcase sporting talents representing respective Indian states/Boards. The Indian Pugilists are currently engaged in honing their skills for the national arena. Apart from providing a perfect platform for current champions to prove their mettle again and for emerging boxers to display their skills, the 34th edition of the games has more to it. The Games will also serve as a selection ground to shortlist players constituting the core group to be trained for the 2012 London Olympics.
“It is an opportunity for the boxers to represent their state and board teams and give something back to the state as well as the nation. It also provides as a talent scouting platform for the national and international tournaments.The Games also make for an ideal ground for emerging boxers”, states the national coach GS Sandhu.
The prestigious tournament will have many stars vying for glory. MC Mary Kom, the current five time Women’s World Champion (48KG) will be seen in action in the 51 kilogram weight category, owing to her preparation for the 2012 London Olympics. The boxing legend was not happy with just a bronze medal at the 2010 Asian Games and looks forward to making her mark in the light bantam weight category at the national level. She adds, “I am focusing on the National Games and will take on one bout at a time to improve my performance in this weight category.”
Former two time Women’s World Champion Sarita Devi, the current National Champion in the 51KG category, has also set her eyes on victory. The seasoned boxer is keenly waiting to lock horns with Mary Kom, “I wish to take on Mary Kom at the National Games and prove my mettle against her”, she admits.
The men are not far behind; a fierce competition is expected as some prominent and emerging boxers face off against each other at the national arena. A few renowned names in the field of contention include, Dlibagh Singh (69 KG), Paramjeet Samota (+91 KG), Suranjoy Singh (52 KG), Chotte Lal (56 KG) and Nanao Singh (49 KG) are all gearing up to fight for pride and their respective teams.
“I cherish the opportunity of representing my state at the national level, it is a matter of great pride and honour for me”, states Dilbagh Singh, a nine time National Champion in the welter wight category. The veteran boxer also won a bronze medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.
The 34th edition of the National Games will see a total of 118 Men and 112 Women boxers representing 33 State/Board teams compete from the 19th to the 24th of February at the Keenan Stadium in Jamshedpur. A total of 80 medals spread over ten weight categories, each for men and women pugilist, will be on offer.
Media personnel interested in covering the event can find Media Accreditation Form and further details available on the official website of the 34th National Games. The link is as follows: http://www.34thnationalgamesjharkhand.in/index.htm
Warm Regards
Brig PK Muralidharan RajaSecretary General,Indian Boxing Federation.
