The National Junior and Youth Boxing Championship 2023 commenced today at the National Boxing Training Center in Thimphu. About 60 students from four districts are taking part in the three-day championship. Besides providing experience and motivation to the participants, the tournament also aims to build a network between boxing clubs in Bhutan.
There are 24 girls and 40 boys taking part in the championship. They belong to boxing clubs in Wangdue Phodrang, Paro, Haa, and Thimphu.
The Bhutan Boxing Federation intends to provide the platform as a springboard for young participants in international tournaments in the future.
“When they go outside without competing much, our youth always face the problem of being inexperienced. That’s why one of our motives is at least conduct three competitions in Bhutan such as this one every year. After they get enough experience, we want them to compete in the international competition,” said Tashi Phuntsho, the head coach of the Bhutan Boxing Federation.
With the youngest being nine and the oldest being 18, the championship aims to offer a competitive platform for youngsters who have been practising the sport for fun. The participants are divided into the youth, junior and sub-junior categories depending on their age.
“When we participate in such competitions, first of all, there are not many female boxers in Bhutan, so I hope to inspire women in Bhutan to play this sport,” said Norbu Dema, a participant.
“Through boxing, I learn self-defence. In the future, I hope to bring a gold medal for Bhutan,” said Tandin Wangchuk, another participant.
“When we participate in this sport, we learn self-defence and can show our talent. Once we participate in the championship, I think we should consider boxing as a career because we are interested in this and have trained for this,” said Tshering Dolkar, a participant.
The Bhutan Boxing Federation in collaboration with the Bhutan Olympic Committee is organising the championship.
Singye Dema
Edited by Kipchu
