Guwahati: Assam has been producing many boxers over the years and the state’s boxers Jamuna Boro, Bhagyabati Kachari and Lovlina Borgohain are among the top prospects for boxing in India. It will also witness new talent from Assam when the upcoming boxers take part in the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) in Guwahati.
Assam chief coach Amar Deka said that he is hoping that the Assamese boxers win many medals in the third edition of the competition.
“We are very confident that this time Assam will produce good results in boxing. Last time, we won three medals in the competition. This time, we have 35 boxers participating in the tournament, so we are hoping for a lot of medals. Let’s see what happens,” said Deka.
The Assamese boxers are mentally tough and physically fit for the Khelo India challenge. However, Deka feels that he should have spent a little more time with all the athletes in the lead up to the tournament.
“Everyone has prepared well for the tournament. All the boxers are physically fit and mentally tough. Most of the boxers don’t have good infrastructure for boxing in their hometowns. I wish we could have trained a little longer with each of the boxers then they would have become better athletes,” said Deka.
Apart from the pressure of showcasing one’s talent, the Assamese boxers will have to deal with the pressure of being the host state as well.
“Since we are the host team, there is a lot of pressure on all the Assam boxers to perform well in the Khelo India Youth Games. Everyone has been coming and telling us that since we are the hosts, our medal tally will increase,” said Deka. IANS