North East Is Capable To Put Two Teams In Boxing League: Ajay Singh

Our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI: The president of the Boxing Federation of India Ajay Singh feels that North East have enough talents in boxing and it can put two teams in the forthcoming Boxing League which is likely to be held in August or September. During his visit in the city to attend the closing function of 2nd India boxing, which concluded in Guwahati yesterday, Singh takes a few questions from the media and his reply, are given here.

TS: Tell us about the proposed franchise based boxing league.

The boxing league is likely to happen this year in August or September and preparatory work is going on full swing. We just want to ensure that the competition does not clash with any other major league and all our boxers are available when it will be held.

TS: Will there be any team from the North East in the proposed competition?

Oh! Sure. We can’t think to organize the competition without a team from North East. The region is the hub of Indian boxing. Mary Kom, Sarita Devi, Shiva Thapa, Yamuna Boro... Northeast is producing quality boxers one after another and they are performing very well in different international competitions including second editions of the India Open. It’s incredible. I feel North East can put two teams in the Boxing League.

TS: IOC recently recommended barring AIBA from organising boxing at the Tokyo Olympics next year. Your reaction.

Yes, IOC recently made such recommendation but it will be taken up in a general body meeting of the IOC in June next. We will see what happens. We will talk to IOC about the Olympic qualifier.

TS: Can the decision hamper the preparation of Indian boxers?

Not at all. Our focus is entirely on the sport, the Olympics and the forthcoming World Championships. We are ready to host the Olympic qualifiers if the World Championships do not serve as a qualification event after International Olympic Committee’s recommendation.

TS: Share the future plan of Boxing Federation of India.

We have improved our ranking a lot during the last two years. The facilities of the boxers are upgraded and it is helping them to improve and polish their skills. This year our aim is to be in the top 10. We will keep trying to be the top-five boxing nations in the world.

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