38th National games boxing events draw huge crowds in Pithoragarh

38th National games boxing events draw huge crowds in Pithoragarh

B.D.Kasniyal

Pithoragarh, Feb 3

Large enthusiastic crowds watched the boxing bouts and greeted the boxers of 38th national games held at Hari Singh Thapa stadium at Lelu, where boxing competitions  are being held. The boxing competition saw packed stadium with people of the remote border district known for its’ boxing prowess enjoyed the bouts. A total of 208 boxers from across the nation, including some Olympic players are participating in the boxing events.

“Today, on 4th day of National Games, a total of 26 matches, including 12 matches in women category, will be played. Boxing matches of women boxers will be played from 11 am while men boxing matches will start from 2 pm onwards,” informed Hemant Kumar, Secretary of Boxing Federation of India.

“The crowds are pouring in to the stadium to see the matches, from early morning as the boxing is the game that is highly appreciated in Pithoragarh. The district has given top class boxers to the national team including late captain Hari Singh Thapa, considered “Bhishma Pitamaha” of boxing in Pithoragarh district, on whose name the stadium is named where the 38th national games boxing competitions are being held these days,” said  Hemant Kumar.

Amanpreet Kaur, a boxing coach, said that apart from minor health issues, her team got fully acclimatised in this hilly region and is doing well.”When we were informed that the boxing competitions will be organised at Pithoragarh, we searched for the the place as had never heard of it, but after reaching here, we found it beautiful place with all facilities,” said Amanpreet Kaur.

Another boxing coach, Bharat Bansolia , from MP team has also praised the arrangements done by administration for the games.”Despite been at a distance of eight kilometres from the main market of Pithoragarh, the transportation arrangement are fine and buses are available every time to reach the main town,” said the MP boxing team coach.

The boxing competitions of 38th National Games, were flagged off by Uttarakhand Secretary Anand Swaroop, along with Pithoragarh District Magistrate, Vinod Goswami on January 31st. “An average of 27 league matches are being played on daily basis from January 31. The competitions will enter the quater final stage from 4th February,” informed Hemant Kumar.

Local women from surrounding villages of Wadda and Lelu  are also taking keen interest in the  boxing events claiming that the stadium has been built on their land.

“Earlier, we used to graze our pet animal in these pastures, but after the stadium has been built, our village Lelu has obtained a national significance and we are proud of this,” said Kheema Devi, an elderly woman of a surrounding village, who had reached to witness the boxing match, today.

Tapan Rawat, President of Pithoragarh District Traders’ Union, said that the boxing event has given to fillip to trade in the remote border town apart from getting the name on the national stage. “ Trade worth more rthan Rs.50 lakh would be done by the hotels, restaurants, shops selling souvenirs and transporters due to holding of boxing events in Pithoragarh which is a welcome and encouraging step,” he added.