The Inter-district boxing championship in progress. Picture by Gopal Senapati

The three-day 66th Open Inter-District Boxing Championship was held at Shibpur Police Lines from November 7 to 9. A total of 104 participants from Darjeeling, North 24 Paraganas, South 24 Paraganas, Howrah, Hooghly, Calcutta and East and West Midnapore districts participated in the championship. Ajay Mukund Ranade, the Howrah police commissioner, inaugurated the championship on November 6.

The championship was held among 14 weight categories between 28 kg and 64 kg. In his speech Ranade said, “The young generation is no longer interested in boxing. They are more interested in playing carom or chatting idly. Boxing is an old game. I am happy this is being practised with such enthusiasm.” He promised to help build a shade on the boxing arena at Shibpur Police Lines.

Shyamal Mitra, member, mayor-in-council, Howrah Municipal Corporation (HMC), who was present at the occasion, said he would help promote boxing in Howrah. He promised that the shade on the boxing arena would be sponsored by HMC. “We shall try our best to promote boxing within the corporation area by extending all possible help. Boxing is an old game and it is our duty to do everything so that young players are encouraged to take up the sport,” Mitra said.

The championship was won by Khidderpur School of Physical Culture. The runners-up was Howrah District Boxing Association. Irfan Ali of Khidderpur School of Physical Culture was declared the best boxer and the best loser was Mukesh Paswan from Burdwan. “It is an irony that most of the youths from economically challenged families play the game. They need all the support from the government and other private organisations. They have talent, and if they get proper guidance and assistance, they can make it big in the boxing world,” said Tapan Basu, secretary, Howrah District Boxing Association. He said that his organisation would try to organise more such championships for promoting the game.