The Sports and Youth Affairs Department of Sikkim has acquired the top floor of a multi-purpose hall at Arithang in Gangtok on Monday for setting up a boxing training centre.
The top floor of the building has been handed over for the purpose temporarily by the Gangtok Municipal Corporation (GMC) till a permanent site is not earmarked.
The boxing training centre became operational from Monday after it was inaugurated by GMC chairman Ashish Rai.
Addressing the gathering, Rai disclosed about his dream to make the Arithang municipal ward as a hub of sports, music and other art-related activities.
“There is lack of space in Gangtok for children to play outdoor sports but small spaces can be made available for encouraging and promoting indoor games,” he said.
Rai, also the Arithang councillor, urged the Sports and Youth Affairs Department to construct a shed in the space available in front of the hall so that a boxing ring can be installed for budding and aspiring boxers of the State.
Speaking on the occasion, Sikkim Amateur Boxing Association (SABA) president Jas Lall Pradhan expressed his gratitude to the GMC and chairman Ashish Rai for providing the space at Arithang multi-purpose hall where the young talents can be groomed.
He also urged the aspirants to avail maximum benefit from the trainers and keep themselves determined and focussed to achieve their desired goal.
State boxing coach Pratima Gurung informed that there are 30 youths undertaking boxing training under her.
Some of them have performed well in national-level tournaments and also won medals, she added.
The inaugural programme was also attended among others, by officials, coaches, trainees and their guardians.
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