Opportunity for women pugilists

MUMBAI: There’s good news for girls who have long wished to represent their respective colleges in boxing championships.

The University of Mumbai has introduced a women’s category for the first time in the 70th edition of its Inter-Collegiate Boxing Championship to be held at Rizvi College from December 16.

Around 25 girls will take part in the event, while 255 boys from 80 colleges will lock horns in the tournament that will conclude on December 20.

Prof. UN Kendre from Rizvi College said: “We have long wanted the girls to participate. But there weren’t appropriate number of entries. This year, we have received 25 entries and have, therefore, officially included the girls’ category in the tournament.”

Former Rajya Sabha MP and president of Rizvi Education Society, Dr AH Rizvi, felt it was the perfect platform for women boxers to show their skills.

“We are lucky that the university has introduced the women’s boxing from
Rizvi College. I hope to see the best of skills from the women in the championship,” Rizvi said.

Kishen Narsee, president of the Maharashtra Amateur Boxing Association said this type of initiatives will inspire women to take up the sport.

“Women from small towns and villages like Mary Kom are more into boxing. But
events like this will inspire girls from metros to take up the sport actively.”