PORVORIM
The Goa Amateur Boxing Association (GABA) will hold the State Boxing Championship in Peddem from October 7 to October 9.
This was disclosed by GABA President and Porvorim MLA Rohan Khaunte in the presence of GABA Secretary Dhanuska da Gama and GABA Treasurer Hemant Nagvekar at a news conference on Porvorim on Monday.
“The State championship will be held in four categories, sub-junior, juniors, youth and elite, in which around 100-150 male and female boxers will participate.
“The association has demanded a grant of Rs 2 lakh from the State government to host this state championship and we request the government to release at least 80% of the grant to enable us conduct this championship successfully,” said Khaunte.
“Most boxers are from the marginalised sector and a good diet is important for the boxers. The State government spends nearly Rs 10 crore on the maintenance of sports infrastructure. The association has demanded that a certain amount should be earmarked for the diet of the boxers.”
“If an amount of Rs 15,000 per month is allocated to the dietary requirements for 100 good sportspersons, the government will have to spend only Rs 1.8 every year. This expenditure will enhance the morale of the boxers and they can perform better at the national level and bring medals for the State,” said Khaunte.
Khaunte said the Department of Sports should resolve pending issues of the GABA to enable it to carry out activities as planned.
“The association proposes to select best of the boxers participating in the ensuing state championship and further provide them special training to enable them to compete in the National championship which is scheduled to be held in Goa.
“The main objective of organising this state championship is to provide a good platform for the budding boxers to showcase their talents. Boxers should be able to make a career out of this sport,” he added.
