Italian coach to train Punjab boxers

Chandigarh, Aug 4 (UNI) The Punjab Sports Department has roped in famous Italian trainer Febrizio Petroni for a 15-day boxing camp scheduled from August 4 to 17 at the Sector 42 Multipurpose Hall here.

As many as 51 boxers, including 18 women, would be attending the training session which will be divided into two parts daily. The visit of Petroni has been made possible due to the close coordination between the Punjab Sports Department and the Punjab Amateur Boxing Association.

Addressing a press conference here today, Mr R P S Pawar, Principal Secretary Sports, Punjab Government, said Petroni would also update the technical knowledge of the 25 coaches of Punjab who would be joining the camp after one week.

Revealing the credentials of the Italian boxing coach, Mr Pawar said that Petroni had trained a number of Italian professional as well as amateur boxers. Roberto Camarella, coached by Petroni had won bronze medal in the Olympic Games and the World Cup. His other important trainees were junior World Champion in welter weight class Daniel Petrocci, Valantino, Pinto, Dirocco, Mino Rali, Clemente Russo and Fabio Russo.

''The present best and the upcoming boxers in Punjab have been selected for the specialized coaching under the Italian trainer.

The boxer trainers of the state would be joining the camp after one week. It will be big boost to the Punjab boxing,'' said Sports Director Pargat Singh.

Mr Pargat Singh said Petroni would be the second foreign trainer to visit Punjab and provide technical guidance to the coaches and the trainees. Earlier NBA coach Robert Reid had visited Ludhiana during the Junior Nationals Basketball Championship. He provided important information to the coaches from all over the country.

Arjuna awardee boxer Jaipal Singh has been instrumental in chalking out the Italian coach's programme to train the Punjab glovesmen.

Jaipal is also adviser to the Punjab Sports Department on promotion and popularizing boxing in the state.

Mr Pargat Singh said international trainer Harpreet Singh has been appointed coordinator. International coaches Laxmi and Bhagwant Singh are also associated with the coaching-and-clinic programme under Petroni who had done two-year diploma in boxing and had attended several refresher courses during 2002-2005 in Italy.

The training programme of the Italian coach will include showing videos of some professional as well as Olympians. After showing the videos, Petroni would be analyzing the bouts and provide vital tips to the boxers as well as trainers.

UNI XC VKJ PM BST1416