Tamil Nadu - Nagapattinam   

Boxing gains popularity in urban areas

Photo: M. Srinath

PACKING PUNCH: Students attending a boxing coaching camp in Nagapattinam. —

NAGAPATTINAM: Young pugilists, undergoing training at the summer boxing coaching camp in the District Stadium here, eagerly await the verdict of their coach after landing some good blows on the punching pad.

“Your punch needs more power,” shouts K. Jayaraman, the coach. Immediately, the group of aspirants unleash a series of power-packed punches to prove their mettle.

0A pat on the back from their coach means a lot to these youngsters.

Boxing is popular in rural parts of the district, but the craze for the sport is catching on among those in the town.

“Boxers from the district are consistent performers at the tournaments conducted at various levels. And especially the performance of the girls’ in the events is indeed commendable,” says Mr. Jayaraman, a physical education teacher at Nangur Government Higher Secondary School.

He says the parents are allowing their wards to take up the sport and that the change in the mindset is a good sign.

“It is a misconception that boxing is a dangerous sport. Even in other sports, there are chances of sustaining serious injuries. But in boxing one expects a punch and finds ways to tackle it,” he says, adding that the protective gears are making boxing a much safer sport.

The budding pugilists are taught straight punch, hooks and various other techniques at the camp.

“Good footwork and quick moves are a must to succeed as a boxer. The youngsters at the camp are trained on those aspects,” Mr. Jayaraman says.

According to District Sports Officer I. John Sagayaraj, boxing has been included in the summer camp for the first time and it has evoked a good response.

“The sport is more popular in schools these days, thanks to the orientation programme organised by Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) for the physical education teachers in the district,” he observes.

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