New Delhi, Jan 12:
With an aim to discover and nurture India’s next boxing heroes, the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) and REC Limited, leading Maharatna Company under the Ministry of Power, are organising the Western REC Open Talent Hunt Programme at the Army Sports Institute in Pune.
The open tournament, which aims to provide amuch-need platform to boxers from across the country, witnessed 16 boxers from Maharashtra winning the titles in the junior and sub-junior categories. The competition for the elite and youth categories will take place from January 12 to 19.
This championship is part of the four open preliminary tournaments that the boxing federation has planned to organise in all four corners of the country for elite, youth, juniorand sub-junior categories for both men and women boxers.
“Boxing Federation of India and REC are committed to the growth of Indianboxing and this REC Open Talent Hunt Programme is a significant step toidentify and nurture budding boxers from across the country. Theprogramme is open to any boxers who possess the skills and havepotential. It is a big opportunity for boxers to make an impact in thenational scene. Through this program, BFI and REC also aim to promotethe sport in every corner of the country and increase the participationand exposure for the game,” stated Hemanta Kumar Kalita, secretary general, Boxing Federation of India.
In addition, boxers will also have the chance to win a wild card entry for national camps, presenting them with a unique opportunity to train and compete at thehighest level under the guidance of experienced coaches and mentors aswell as to represent the country.
The boxers, in their respective categories, can participate in all four open tournaments and the topperformers will compete in the combined final. Furthermore, thewinners will be invited to participate in the pruning trials forinclusion in the BFI’s national camps, creating a pathway for talents tomake a direct cut and get a shot to play for the country.
The Northern Open Talent Hunt was held at SAI NCOE in Rohtak in September while the Southern Open Talent Hunt and Eastern Open Talent Hunt are scheduled to be staged at the Sree Kanteerava Indoor Stadium in Bangalore (January 28 to February 13) and Sarusajai Sports Complex inGuwahati (February 28 to March 15) respectively.
