Shillong, Apr 27: Mawlai Mawroh came alive once again with the start of the State Boxing Championship 2025-26, with young pugilists giving it their all in the ring for the glory of their district or club.
The four-day event is organised by the Meghalaya Boxing Association (MBA) with support from the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs.
The championship is for boys and girls in junior (15-16 years) and youth (17-18) categories, further subdivided by weight, according to national and international standards, MBA Technical Director Larry Kharpran said in his address to the gathering.
A total of 105 boxers, who are the future of Meghalaya boxing, are representing eight districts and established boxing clubs.
When it began, the MBA was largely concentrated in Khasi Hills but now has spread to all corners of the state and Kharpran thanked the Directorate for the state government’s support in making this tournament possible.
The chief guest at the opening ceremony was the Assistant Director of Sports and Youth Affairs, Paia B War Nongbri. Other dignitaries included Meghalaya State Olympic Association (MSOA) General Secretary Finely L Pariat, the Rangbah Shnong of Mawlai Mawroh and members of the MSOA and district boxing associations.
“Boxing is a promising sport for the state at next year’s National Games,” War Nongbri said in a short speech. “With the guidance of the MBA I’m sure we’ll be able to bring out athletes who will be able to compete at a high level.”
The Directorate is supporting state associations to prepare for the National Games, which Meghalaya will host, and the MBA is no different. Forty-five senior Meghalaya boxers are currently undergoing training for the mega event next year.
Speaking to the youngsters directly, War Nongbri said, “Having young boxers will be good for the MBA in future. From here you will go to senior levels and greater heights.”
He also encouraged the teenagers not to forget the importance of their schooling and said that the state government is ready to further support the MBA by bringing in outside coaches or in other ways.
(Meghalaya Boxing Association photo)
