Uttarakhand National Games to Further Fillip Boxing in Pithoragarh

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The picturesque and rugged Pithoragarh district in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, known as a boxing hub in Northern India, will play host to some of the finest boxing talent during the upcoming 38th Uttarakhand National Games starting January 28.

The boxing discipline, scheduled to be held from January 31 to February 7 at Pithoragarh's newly constructed indoor hall during the National Games, is expected to further boost boxing in the region.

Pithoragarh's international boxer and Asian Championship medal winner, Kavinder Singh Bisht, along with Duryodhan Singh Negi, has inspired the next generation. Several clubs have also sprung up in the region, which is evidence of the growing popularity of boxing in the area.

Young talent from the Pithoragarh region has won medals in youth and junior continental championships in recent years. The upcoming National Games will be an excellent platform to further showcase their potential at the senior level, said Bhaskar Bhatt, former chief national women's boxing coach.

"We are hopeful of good results from state boxers in both men's and women's groups," Bhatt added. Inspired by former internationals like Bisht and Negi, young girls such as Kajal Farswan have stepped into the ring. She is considered a strong contender to win a medal for the home team at the National Games, Bhatt said.

Bhatt, one of the coaches overseeing the state camp in progress in Pithoragarh, mentioned that the final team for the National Games would be announced next week. "Uttarakhand has bright chances to win medals in lighter weight categories in the women's section," Bhatt claimed.

Pithoragarh's 29-year-old Asian silver medallist, Kavinder Singh Bisht, will be one of the favourites on the men's side. Services heavyweight and international boxer from Haryana, Narender, will wear the Uttarakhand jersey during the National Games. "He (Narender) has a no-objection certificate to represent Uttarakhand," a senior official of the Uttarakhand Boxing Association said.

Most promising boxers from the region receive good facilities when they join the army (Kumaon Regiment). Former international boxer Duryodhan Singh Negi was a late starter but quickly made an impression at the national and international levels. He currently holds a coaching assignment at Pune's Army Sports Institute.

Despite the enthusiasm in the region, players in the camp are not receiving adequate facilities. Currently, the state camp is being held in Pithoragarh, and the boxing ring has a tin-shed roof. Boxers have to practice at odd hours to adapt to the local weather conditions.

Gopal Singh, secretary general of the Uttarakhand Boxing Association, said that early mornings and late evenings are a bit cold, but it's warm during the day. "We are providing good facilities. It's warm and sunny during the day. The boxers aren't training early in the morning or evening," Singh told MyKhel over the phone from Haldwani.

Pithoragarh is situated at an elevation of 1,600m, and it will be challenging for boxers, particularly those from Southern India, to cope with local weather conditions during the National Games. "Training camp at an altitude will be an advantage for the home team," said one of the boxing coaches associated with the Uttarakhand team.