National Boxing Championship begins today

Rohtak (Haryana) [India], Jan. 06 (ANI): Over 300 top female boxers will be stepping into the ring during the second edition of the Elite Women's National Boxing Championship, which begins today.

The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) has indicated that the weeklong tournament will be seen as selection trials for 2018's biggest boxing events- the Common Wealth Games and the Asian Games.

Decorated pugilists like Sarita Devi, Sarjubala, Sonia Lather and most of the newly crowned champions at the Youth World Championships from 36-member units have registered themselves. Soon after which they all are arduously preparing for this event.

Indian boxers have been on a roll in the year gone by and will be eager to make the New Year equally rewarding for the country.

"This will be my first shot at the senior level and I am positive about doing well against the best boxers in the country," Shashi Chora, gold medalist in the World Youth Championships said.

"I will be a little nervous but I know I can make the cut at the elite level too," she added, echoing the thoughts of all the youth boxers who will be looking to graduate to the next level.

Recently elevated performance director for the Elite women's team Raffael Bergamasco will be present at the event to keep a close watch on the women pugilists.

Bergamasco had played a crucial role in helping India clinch four gold, silver and two bronze medals at the International Boxing Association (AIBA).

Subsequently, women's team head coach Shiv Singh and a couple of other senior members from the selection panel will also be present to keep a tab on the performances. (ANI)