Monday, Feb 26, 2024 11:45 [IST]
Last Update: Monday, Feb 26, 2024 06:08 [IST]
Gangtok, (IPR): The Khelo India University Ashtalakshmi Games 2023, Boxing (men’s) commenced at the Indoor Hall, Paljor Stadium from today.
Education minister KN Lepcha graced the inaugural ceremony as the chief guest with Khadi & Village Board chairperson Chung Chung Bhutia as the guest of honour along with Sikkim University vice chancellor Avinash Khare.
The event is funded by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) and is organised by the Sports & Youth Affairs department in association with Sikkim Central University.
The 4th edition of the Khelo India University Astalaxmi Boxing (Men) Games is being held from February 25-29, 2024.
In his address, the Education minister conveyed his gratitude for being a part of the Khelo India University Games. He emphasised the pivotal role of the Khelo India University Games in instilling aspirational values and promoting high standards in sports.
Furthermore, the minister highlighted the State government's schemes aimed at promoting sports culture under the leadership of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang. He extended his best wishes to all participants in the tournament and expressed hope for its success.
Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by Sports secretary Raju Basnet.
The Khelo India Astalaxmi University Games is an annual event aimed at promoting sports and talent development among university students in India. The games are instrumental in developing India's sporting talent and promoting a culture of athleticism among university students.
In total, 265 athletes, comprising 103 boxers, 43 coaches and managers, 37 technical officials, 10 specific volunteers, 1 competition manager, and 60 local volunteers, along with 1 observer from AIU, 2 representatives from SAI, 1 observer from MP, Mr Juan Carlos, 3 NADA personnel, 2 accreditation team members from Delhi, and 2 individuals from BFI and Shivnaresh, have arrived for the Khelo India University Games Ashtalakshmi boxing men's category in Sikkim.
Also present were Sachin Wayal, assistant director, Sports Authority of India (SAI), Suhail Pervez , deputy director, Boxing Federation of India, Rajender Sharma, International Technical official, Boxing Federation of India (BFI), Jaslall Pradhan, Arjuna Awardee, competition manager, Milan Pradhan, chief engineer, Sports and Youth Affairs, Jigme Y Lepcha, joint director, Games Technical Conduct Committee, Sikkim, Dr RB Biswakarma, additional director, Sports and Youth Affairs-cum-organising secretary, officers, officials, dignitaries and representatives from BFI.
Following the programme, the minister officially inaugurated the Khelo India University Games 2023, with the inaugural boxing bout between Punjab University Chandigarh (PUC) and Rajiv Gandhi University, Arunachal Pradesh (RGUAP) wherein the former emerged as the winner.
