GUWAHATI, May 4 – The Assam Amateur Boxing Association (AABA) accorded a warm felicitation to Minu Basumatary and Pwilao Basumatary in a function here today for their medal winning performance in the recently concluded Youth Women World Boxing Championship at Antalya in Turkey.
While Minu won a gold medal, Pwilao clinched a bronze in the meet where 42 countries took part. The State boxing body also honoured Pinkji Kachari, Sonashree Brahma, Anjali Mushahary, Alary Boro who were also members of the Indian team. Guwahati SAI based coaches Geeta Sanu and Abhishek Malbya, who were the coaches of the Indian team, were also felicitated on the occasion. The 16-member Indian team won two gold and as many bronze medals in the championship. Gold medallist Minu, who fought in the 61-64 kg group later said, she had a tough opponent from Israel in the opening bout which she won 19-17. In the quarterfinal and semifinal she got the better of Malva’s and Russia’s boxers and in the summit clash she outplayed a Turkish boxer 26-14.
Minu said in the national level competitions she garnered confidence and has been able to win gold medal in her maiden international competition. She hoped that she will be able to win a Olympic medal if everything go as per plans. Giving credit to his father Rabindra Basumatary for encouraging her in every step, Minu said her father advised her to take the game of boxing and taught the preliminary steps and punches. She also acknowledged her coaches’ contributions in developing her skills.
Speaking on the occasion, Director of Sports Sanjib Gohain Baruah promised all possible help from his department to the young boxers. SAI city centre director Subash Basumatary gave details about the initial stage of women boxing in Assam and how it reached the present status. It may be mentioned that Assam has produced several women boxers who won medals in international and national championships. AABA secretary Hemanta Kumar Kalita hoped several Assam women boxers will get berth in the Indian camp for the London Olympics. He also hoped a couple of Assam girl will be selected for the 2012 Olympics as all the boxers are performing very well in the national and international meets. AABA president Kali Kanta Boro and sports organiser MU Ahmed were also present in the felicitation function.
SAI presented gloves and head gear to all the boxers.
