Boxing Federation of India to conduct Zonal C'ships to unearth new female talents

The Boxing Federation of India in collaboration with the Sports Authority of India will organise five Open Zonal Championships, where approximately 3000 youth and junior female pugilists are expected to participate. The championships, starting next month, are a joint initiative of BFI and SAI in their bid to unearth and nurture new talents from across the country. The events will be held in junior girls and youth women categories.

This massive grassroots-level initiative will start with the Khelo India East Zone Open Zonal Boxing Championship to be held in SAI Regional centre in Guwahati from September 15. The junior girl's competition is expected to witness 1400 entries, while 1600 boxers are likely to participate in the youth women section.

The successful pugilists from the four zonal tournaments will progress to the Combined Open Zonal Boxing Championship, which would be held on a knock-out basis. This Zonal Championship is part of BFI's long-term plans to provide exposure and create a stronger bench strength for Indian women's boxing.

"Our motive is to find new and fresh talents at junior and youth level. Such Open Championships will not only provide opportunity but also give a platform from where strong and talented contenders can get a direct shot at being selected for National Camp and represent India, complete and win medals for the country," BFI secretary general Hemanta Kalita said in a release.

While East Zone and South Zone competitions are likely to witness the participation of close to 700 boxers (300 in junior girls and 400 in youth women), West Zone and North Zone events are likely to have 800 entries (400 in each category). There will be 52 medals up for grabs in 13 different weight categories in the junior girls' section, while 48 medals will be awarded in the 12 youth women categories as participation is expected from 28 states and eight Union Territories.

The official draw of the first of the four zonal events will be held on September 15 in Guwahati, with the competition scheduled to be held from September 16 to 22.