Shillong, Oct 16: Young male and female boxers displayed determination and fighting spirit as they competed for top honours across various weight categories in the State Sub-Junior Boys’ & Girls’ U-15 Boxing Championship, a three-day tournament organised by the Meghalaya Boxing Association (MBA) at Raid Laban College here.
The championship is being conducted with financial assistance from the Directorate of Sports & Youth Affairs.
The three-day competition began on Wednesday.
In Thursday’s boys’ semifinals, Daniel Nongrum and Safal Thapa (30-33kg category) advanced to the final after defeating Dame Syiemlieh and Inam Vianney Nongkhlaw respectively.
In the 38-40kg category, Bantei Rani and Steven Khyllep progressed to the final by defeating Milando and Reform Talang.
In the 40-42kg category, Ethan Nongdhar and Banlang Lyngdoh secured places in the final after beating Omega Nongjri and Jakrikra R Marak.
Debraj Thapa and Shandor Kharchandi, both in the 44-6kg category, booked their spots in the final after defeating Chara Dechao R Marak and Tangrik.
In the 46-48kg category, Florian Kharjana and Irfan Nongrang advanced to the final after overcoming Kabibath and Denzil Myrthong. In the 48-50kg category, Samha O Mulieh and Ariri Ch Momin reached the final after defeating Rohan Kumar Ray and Bamekordor Majaw.
And in the 54-57kg category, Rudolf Lyngdoh and Damebala-ai Janai Ksiang progressed to the final after defeating Arnav Rai and Chiangrik.
In the girls’ 42-46kg category, Tariasa Marak advanced to the final following her victory over Samki Phawa.
The tournament is being organised as part of the MBA’s objective to identify and nurture young boxing talents who can become the future of the sport in Meghalaya.
The clubs participating in the championship include Green Heart Boxing Club, Rising Star Boxing Association, Noble Art Boxing Club, Mawshbuit Boxing Club and Upper Shillong Boxing Association. The district teams taking part are from the Boxing Association of East Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills Boxing Association, Eastern West Khasi Hills, Ri-Bhoi, West Garo Hills, North Garo Hills and East Garo Hills.
(Photo contributed)