MABA unhappy over lone KIC for boxing in state
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 07 2021: Manipur Amateur Boxing Association (MABA) has expressed dissatisfaction over the approval of only one Khelo India Centre (KIC) for boxing in the state, which has not only produced several renowned international boxers but also brought fame for the country over the years.

In a statement, MABA secretary general in-charge Ph Dhanajit said that the Youth Affairs and Sports Department declared the approval of the central government for setting up one KIC each in all the districts of the state under Khelo India Grassroots Level development programme and questioned the basis of selecting sports discipline for setting up the centres.

It then stated that there were two posts of coaches for boxing under YAS department.

One died in 1995 and after that the post was dissolved by the government.

Since then, the remaining coach had been handling the boxing discipline under the department.

Unfortunately, the coach had also retired from his post in 2016 and after that the department has not appointed any regular coach for boxing despite numerous demands from MABA, the statement said.

The laurels brought by state boxers in the international arena are results of their hard-work and contribution of the state government in their achievement is next to none.

MABA along with its district associations has been standing for state boxers all these years.

Boxing produces maximum number of Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, Arjuna Award, Padma Vibhusan winners in the state.

So far, MABA has produced over 80 international boxers.

Despite such contributions, it is unfortunate to have only one KIC for boxing in Churachandpur district, it stated while demanding explanation on the rationale behind the proposal.

Asserting that MABA has been working to scout, groom and promote new talents from among the sports enthusiasts of the state since the last 40 years, the association stressed the need for having at least four or five additional KICs for boxing in the state.

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