How boxing coaches have adapted training in COVID-19 crisis?

As per the regulations, human sparring is restricted until further notice.

Just like all other sports, Boxing has also taken a huge hit due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Indian boxers resumed training earlier in August after following a long break due to the nationwide lockdown. The participants are leaving no stones unturned in their training as they want to be at their best ahead of next year's Tokyo Olympics.

However, there have been several difficulties for the boxers as sparring is not allowed according to the Home Ministry and therefore it has forced the boxers to stick to other normal exercises. The coaches are a tad bit concerned about their boxers as this kind of training can get a little boring for them. So the coaches have come up with some proper team bonding activities which are supposed to give the boxers some respite from their tedious training regime.

It is understood that five groups were made for different activities among boxers and coaches. “Last Saturday, we played football match, had a quiz competition and other such activities so that we don’t get bored with our routine training,” a boxer told IANS.

“It was a good day, very entertaining. We all enjoyed it a lot. This actually helped us in keeping mind and body active and remain calm at the same time. It should be done on a regular basis,” he added.

Boxers from all over India are still coming in as Lovlina Borgohain joined the camp late. The youngster from Assam was stuck under strict lockdown protocols and therefore she reached late. “Yes, I joined the camp a few days back. I will now wait for some time before resuming training because of COVID-19 protocols,” she told IANS.

Lovlina will be honoured with the Arjuna Award this year and the 22-year old is very excited and feels that it will motivate her further for the upcoming Olympics. “It’s a huge honour and will motivate me to perform even better in the upcoming years including the Olympics. I really want to thank the sports ministry and the committee (sports award) for giving me this honour. Everybody is happy back home,” the Olympic-bound boxer signed off.

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