India to host Asian Boxing C'ships in Nov-Dec this year: BFI

New Delhi: India will host the Asian Boxing Championships for men and women in November-December this year, the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) announced on Monday. 

BFI President Ajay Singh made the announcement during E-Pathshala, the online review meeting of boxers and support staff for the qualified and probable of the Olympic weight categories, over a video conference. 

''Going forward, our focus is to bring in more and more tournaments to India and being able to host this prestigious championship here in India, which will be a huge honour for the federation. This tournament can be one of the biggest platforms, where our boxers can look to excel and will also give our fans a reason for cheer,'' Mr Singh said.  

The final decision on dates and venue of the tournament will be taken after discussion with the government and other important stakeholders, after the lockdown is over.

India's lockdown to curb the spread of the virus ends on Tuesday, but is set to be extended as state governments battle a surge in positive cases. In India, the toll has crossed 300 and the number of positive cases is going up by hundreds everyday.

While the players expressed their happiness over the announcement, they also shared their fitness routines.

''I'm excited and look forward to playing at home. We have been in touch with the coaches and maintaining our weights and doing the best possible training staying at home during this lockdown period,'' seasoned boxer and six-time world champion Mary Kom said.

Last edition's silver medallist and Asian Games bronze medallist Ashish Kumar of Himachal Pradesh said he has been doing regular training at home and following all the instructions, as shared by the coaches and is confident of a return soon.

Meanwhile, world championship's bronze medallist Simranjit Kaur said, ''I have a fitness apparatus at home, so I am regularly doing the weight training and padding sessions with my brother, who also happens to be a boxer."

Following the first phase of E-pathshala, which was only focused on physical fitness, the boxers will now also be doing regular sessions with renowned mental trainers and nutritionists on a weekly basis.(UNI)