PRESS RELEASE FROM
RAJ BHAVAN
DATE – 13.062023
“Promoting Youth Empowerment and Athletic Excellence: Governor Inaugurates the 6th Youth Men’s National Boxing Championship in Sikkim”
The Hon’ble Governor of Sikkim Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya, inaugurated the 6th National Boxing Competition where 27 states and 2 union territories are participating in Paljor stadium gymnasium hall, Gangtok, Sikkim.
Addressing the gathering the Hon’ble Governor expressed his pride and pleasure at the 6th Youth Men’s Boxing Championship -2023 taking place in the beautiful state of Sikkim. This event serves as an excellent platform for promising boxers to showcase their abilities and gain recognition on the national platform.
Emphasizing the rich historical significance of boxing in India and its third position in the International Boxing Federation, he commended the women boxers of India who recently got home four gold medals in the World Boxing Championship held in New Delhi from March 15 to 26,2023 and illustrated examples like India’s mother power Mary Kom who has paved her way up in the world-class boxing admits all the hurdles she faced in her life and also spotlighted another identity of boxing in the country “Virender Singh who has achieved milestones in international level boxing bearing home several medals of pride.
He also acknowledged Boxing for fostering national unity and bringing people together by stating Mary Koms’ representation in the ring as India herself and not her sole self, Dronacharya Awardee Sandhya Gurung making the entire nation proud while receiving the respective award and commended SABA for its progress under Arjuna awardee Mr Jaslal Pradhan who is also one of the pride of this nation.
Highlighting the significant strides made in the field of sports over the last few years under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the Governor expressed appreciation for the vision and initiatives aimed at fostering a sports culture in the nation and lauded the successful implementation of the “Khelo India”, “Fit India Movement,” ” Target Olympic Podium Scheme”, “National Sports Awardee Scheme”, “Sports Talent Search Portal” an initiative for providing a golden opportunity to the youth to showcase their talent.
Further, the Hon’ble Governor congratulated SABA for organizing and executing the event and acknowledged the significant impact that boxing has on individuals, especially young athletes, by imparting essential life skills. Through rigorous training, boxers learn the values of perseverance, dedication, and determination. They develop a strong work ethic, setting goals, and striving to achieve them, both inside and outside the boxing ring, he added.
The Hon’ble Governor greeted the first boxers participating in this competition and witnessed a few rounds of matches.
The program flagged with the offering of a bouquet to the Hon’ble Governor by members of SABA.
Followed by a welcome address by the President of SABA and a brief speech by Ven Sonam Lama, Minister RDD, Cooperative and Ecclesiastical Department.
Subsequently, a video screening was presented showcasing the historical development of sports in Sikkim with its focus on boxing.
The Hon’ble Governor felicitated Olympian, Arjuna awardee and Dronacharya awardee in boxing and other SABA members.
Throughout his program, the Hon’ble governor was accompanied by Ven Sonam Lama Minister RDD, Cooperative and Ecclesiastical Department, Shri Phinsto Namgyal Lepcha MLA Dzongu, chairmen, officers from various other departments, Shri Jaslal Pradhan Arjuna Awardee (President SABA) and Shri Kuber Bhandari President SOA.
