Excelsior Sports Correspondent
KATHUA, Feb 28: Sports Officer of the J&K Sports Council (JKSC), Ashok Singh today inaugurated the two-day 1st District Kathua Boxing Championship being organised by J&K Amateur Boxing Association at Sports Stadium, here.
The opening day witnessed preliminary round of the competition in youth and senior categories. Around 60 boxers of the district turned up for the competition in different age groups.
Speaking on the occasion, chief guest, Ashok Singh patted the young local boxers, who strive hard to excel in the Olympic event. He was all praise for the Association for taking the game at the district level and encouraging the youngsters from far-flung areas of the Union Territory.
Also present on the occasion were former chief football coach of SAI, Satish Kumar Sharma and mountaineer, Sajjad Ahmed.
Earlier, general secretary of the Association, Rajan Sharma said, “We are holding first district boxing championship after last year’s encouraging response from district. A regular coaching centre has been established at the Sports Stadium where a trained senior boxer is imparting training. The district administration is very supportive and efforts are being made to give impetus to the activities.”
The technical penal comprised Gautama Sharma, Rajneesh and Pardeep Sharma.
In Seniors, (56 kg), Yuvraj Singh and Sumit Mankotia secured first and second positions respectively, whereas in 75 kg, Naresh Kumar beat Panjeet Singh. In Youth (49 kg), Himmat Kumar beat Sakshi Sharma in semifinal.
In Juniors semifinal (44 kg), Ranjit Singh beat Ritishek Kuashli, whereas in 48 kg, Sulamen beat Pawan Singh.
In Sub-Junior semifinal (42 kg), Kulshan Singh beat Mohit Kumar, whereas in 44 kg, Rishi Lalotra beat Pushbinder and Danish Sajjad beat Ian Mahajan.