Will 640 pugilists make their mark at the Junior (U-17) Boys & Girls Nationals in Rohtak?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Approximately 640 pugilists competing.
- Championship runs from June 19-26.
- 13 weight categories for both boys and girls.
- Significant opportunity for young boxers to showcase talent.
- Potential Olympic stars in the making.
Rohtak, June 19 (NationPress) Approximately 640 emerging pugilists from various regions of the nation, comprising 350 boys and 290 girls, are set to compete in the 6th Junior (U-17) Boys and Girls National Boxing Championships at the National Boxing Academy from June 19-26.
The competitions for both Junior Boys and Junior Girls will feature 13 weight categories each, ranging from 44-46 kg to 80+ kg. The Services Sports Control Board aims to defend their title from the 5th Boys’ Nationals, while Haryana steps in as the reigning champions in the Girls’ division.
"The Junior National Championship serves as a pivotal platform for young boxers to demonstrate their talents to national selectors and coaches. It is essential for the BFI to identify and cultivate future talent. I am thrilled to see significant participation from all teams as we aim to unearth the next generation of Indian boxing champions. Many of these young boxers will represent India in the 2032 & 2036 Olympic Games, making this championship critically significant," remarked Ajay Singh, President-Chairperson of the Boxing Federation of India Interim Committee.
"This championship occurs ahead of the Asian Youth Games in October this year, where boxing will be featured for the very first time. The winners here will represent India at these Asian Games, where 14 medals will be available. With robust systems already established, the BFI is dedicated to assisting these young athletes in realizing their full potential," he added.
The gold and silver medallists of the REC Combined Talent Hunt (Junior Boys and Girls) held in October 2024 will qualify to participate in the National Championships under the REC banner, provided they meet the eligibility criteria of being born between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010.
The championships will adhere to the World Boxing Technical & Competitions Rules, where each bout comprises three rounds of two minutes each, with a one-minute rest in between. A ten-points-must scoring system will be employed.
Indian boxing has been making remarkable advancements towards becoming a leading boxing nation at all levels. While seniors secured eight medals, including two golds, at the recently concluded Thailand International, juniors (U-15 & U-17) amassed 43 medals—comprising 15 golds, six silvers, and 22 bronzes—at the inaugural Asian U-15 & U-17 Championships, finishing second overall and highlighting the strength of a solid youth program.