The Goa Amateur Boxing Association (GABA) celebrated its Golden Jubilee and Annual Prize Distribution at Hotel Green Park on Wednesday, with Pernem MLA Pravin Arlekar and Siolim MLA Delilah Lobo serving as the chief guests.
In his address, Chief Guest Pravin Arlekar congratulated GABA on its 50-year milestone, stating, “I congratulate Goa Amateur Boxing Association for completing 50 years. There is huge support from the government, Chief Minister, and Sports Minister, who have taken good initiatives to see sports progress. Today, when technology has become the forefront, it is pertinent to have young children participate in sports activities. It is good to see our boxers shine.”
Delilah Lobo expressed her joy, highlighting the need for Goan boxers to aim for international success. “At the national level, you all do well, but we wish that our boxers can represent India at international boxing events. That should be the aim of coaches. The annual prize distribution motivates the boxers and coaches to work hard. The previous presidents of GABA have paved the way for today,” she said.
Boxing in Goa has a rich history spanning over five decades, beginning in the early 1970s with Jesuits and Franciscan priests. The sport gained prominence when young enthusiasts from Saligao took on the Indian Air Force Boxing Team in 1973. Pioneers like Lenny D’Gama played a pivotal role, in establishing training programs and organising tournaments. Formed in 1994, GABA has hosted several tournaments, significantly contributing to the sport’s growth and popularity in the state.
Francis Viegas, President of GABA, expressed his pride: “It is a matter of great pride that the Goa Amateur Boxing Association is celebrating 50 years this year. Our boxers have reigned in the national ring in the earlier years, and now again we see the zeal and hunger among many boxers to create this passion into a profession. Every year we will reward our boxers and coaches for winning medals and hope that they continue to perform and motivate others.”
National Games Award winners with cash prizes such as bronze medalists Niharika Gonella and AK Roshanzamir Khan, silver medalists Akash Gorkha, Sanamacha Chanu, and Lokesh, and gold medalists Gaurav Chauhan, Sakshi, and Rajat Punia were felicitated. Sub Junior Girls medalists Mamta Raut (bronze), Suman Patil (silver), and Laxmi Lamani (gold) were also recognised. Coaches Nilesh Khanolkar, Santosh Birmole, Chidambaram Naik, Valanky Dumaskar, Arif Uddin, and Sameer Kenchikera were felicitated for their dedication and contributions.
The event was attended by Executive Committee Secretary Hemant Nagvenkar, Working President Ninil D’Souza, Danuska Da Gama, Treasurer Gerson De Souza, International Technical Official and Vice President Lenny Da Gama, and other dignitaries.
