Media release
Udupi, Apr 7: For the first time in history Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is all set to host the first ever boxing tournament in Coastal Karnataka. The MAHE Manipal fight night kicks off on Friday, April 8.
In an effort to promote and popularize boxing as a sport among students, MAHE has decided to host the first ever boxing event in Coastal Karnataka. Renowned boxers from India and abroad will be partaking in the event. Neeraj Goyat, three times WBC Asia title holder will be partaking in the event along with Akashdeep Singh, Gurpal Singh, Nitvir Singh in men category and Sangeeta Birdi, British boxer and Ritika Singh, boxer turned film actress and others in the women's category.
Speaking about the first ever Boxing event in Coastal Karnataka, Dr H S Ballal, pro chancellor, MAHE said, "The main intention of this event is to inculcate a sporting culture amongst the youth of the country. At MAHE we have always placed great importance on sports along with academics. Boxing teaches discipline, planning, execution skills and overall mental and physical toughness. This event will be first of its kind and will be held between 8th to 10th of April. There will be 6-8 teams with 12-16 reputed professional boxers in various categories. The matches will be played with the World Boxing Council's rules and regulations. This event would encourage youngsters on the campus to excel in sports and inspire them to take up boxing. We have also themed this event to curb substance abuse on campus. The tag line is 'Punch it before it knocks you out,'" he said.
The matches will be held in MIT Student Plaza. Matches will be held under Super featherweight, Super lightweight, Light heavyweight, Super middle weight categories for men and women competitors.
Face off event will take place on Friday, April 8 at Student Plaza MIT.
"The boxing ring forum at MIT is being used by students of WGSHA, MIT and DOC of MAHE. A student from DOC was a boxing champion and has also won the State Rajyotsava award in boxing. This event will give a sneak peek into the world of professional boxing. It will teach the importance of physical fitness and inspire students to consider sports as a profession and not just a hobby" Dr H S Ballal added.
Super Boxing League will execute the entire event.