Coaches urge for strong base for boxers at grass root level

Chandigarh, Aug 10 (UNI) Indian boxing coaches feel that stress should be on a strong base for the Indian boxers and basic skills should be imparted at the grass root level with a uniform training programme.

''Our boxers get scientific training only in the national coaching camps while need is that the proper training should be imparted from the beginning when a boxer joins the ring,'' said one of the coaches attached to the 15-day coaching camp being conducted by Italian coach Fabrizio Petroni.

Fifty one boxers, including 18 females, are attending the camp which began on August four. Twenty five coaches of the Punjab Sports Department will be now joining the week-long coaching-cum-clinic.

The camp has been organised on the initiative of Punjab Sports Director Pargat Singh and Punjab Amateur Boxing Association secretary Arjuna awardee Jaipal Singh.

''The trainers need training to educate themselves with the latest teaching technique and understanding of the interpretation of the rules. Keeping this in view, we decided to involve our coaches with this project. I am confident our coaches will get benefit from the training programme and they may introduce the new techniques in their daily training schedule,'' said Pargat Singh.

Camp coordinator Harpreet Singh is of the opinion that the boxers possess speed, strength and endurance.

''Our boxers do not lack fitness. Yes, they suffer in international competitions due to poor technique and strategy,'' he said.

Padamshree Kaur Singh is also attached with the camp. He said ''Only during the national coaching camps, our boxers get the opportunity to learn the correct technique. I strongly feel proper and scientific training should start as soon as a trainee steps into the ring on his maiden appearance. We require a strong base at the grass-root level and at a younger age.'' Replying to a question, Harpreet and Kaur Singh said ''The method of training is quite different from what Petroni and our coaches are imparting.

Petroni has more variation in his training programme. The Italian coach is imparting training for more than six hours daily. His physical fitness is unbelievable. He can perform all difficult exercises which a gymnast does. There is not a single dull moment during training.'' Petroni does not support running to develop more power, endurance and stamina. The Italian coach is for specific exercises for the boxers, according to Harpreet Singh.

Petroni uses lightweight training (with iron rods and plates), medicine balls, and tennis ball to improve the fitness and flexibility level of the boxers. Petroni also pays individual attention to the trainees.

Laxmi is the lone lady coach attached with the camp.

Arjuna awardee Jaipal Singh denied that boxing was a dangerous sports discipline. ''Boxing is not a bloody sport. A chance of getting injury in the ring is very remote in comparison to other sports.

Only a few days back, a cricketer died while playing in Patiala.

However, the boxers are well-protected, with headgears etc,'' said Jaipal while pointing out towards his nose. ''I have donned boxing gloves for more than a decade. My nose is safe. It is not broken or in ugly shape,'' said Jaipal who is also secretary of the PABA.

Pargat Singh frequently visits the camp at the Sector 42 Sports Complex and enquires if any thing is needed for the coaching-cum-clinic.

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