Upcoming National Boxing Championships Set to Showcase Young Talent in Rohtak
Exciting National Boxing Championships in Rohtak
Rohtak (Haryana) is gearing up to host the 6th Junior (U-17) Boys and Girls National Boxing Championships, starting Thursday. Approximately 640 promising boxers, comprising 350 boys and 290 girls from various regions, will compete at the National Boxing Academy.
Both the Junior Boys and Girls events will feature 13 weight classes, ranging from 44-46 kg to over 80 kg. The Services Sports Control Board aims to retain their title from the previous Boys' Nationals, while Haryana will defend their championship in the Girls' division.
Ajay Singh, President of the Boxing Federation of India (BFI), emphasized the significance of this championship as a vital opportunity for young athletes to demonstrate their abilities before national selectors and coaches. He expressed satisfaction with the strong participation, highlighting the potential of these young boxers to represent India in the upcoming 2032 and 2036 Olympic Games.
Additionally, this championship serves as a precursor to the Asian Youth Games in October, where boxing will be featured for the first time. Winners from this event will have the chance to compete for 14 medals at the Asian Games, with BFI committed to nurturing these athletes' talents.
Gold and silver medallists from the REC Combined Talent Hunt (Junior Boys and Girls) held in October 2024 will qualify for the National Championships, provided they meet the age criteria of being born between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2010.
The championships will adhere to the World Boxing Technical & Competitions Rules, with each match consisting of three rounds of two minutes each, separated by one-minute breaks. A ten-point scoring system will be implemented.
Indian boxing is on the rise, with the senior team recently securing eight medals, including two golds, at the Thailand International. Meanwhile, junior boxers (U-15 and U-17) achieved remarkable success at the inaugural Asian U-15 & U-17 Championships, earning 43 medals—15 gold, six silver, and 22 bronze—finishing second overall and showcasing the strength of the youth program.