GUWAHATI: A seven-member Nepal boxing team has been training at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) in Guwahati since August 10 as part of its preparations for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
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The team, comprising seven athletes and two coaches, is scheduled to remain at the SAI centre until September 15 before travelling to Japan for the Asian Games, which begin on September 19.
The combined training and friendly competition programme was formally requested by the Nepal Boxing Federation.
The Nepal team includes Ramisha Shrestha (51kg), Asmita Duwal (54kg), Kusum Tamang (65kg), Chandra Bahadur Thapa (55kg), Khagendra Roka Magar (60kg), Dan Bahadur Darlami (70kg) and Rabin Nepal (90kg). Coaches Raj Shrestha and Deepak Maharjan are accompanying the delegation.
The team is undergoing training under SAI boxing coaches Narendra Rana, Trideep Borah and Pranamika Borah. The programme includes technical development, physical conditioning, tactical preparation and competitive readiness.
During their stay, the Nepal boxing team is being provided with training, coaching, accommodation and meals at the centre. They also have access to sports science and medical support, including doctors and nurses.
D.K. Mittal, Executive Director of SAI Regional Centre Guwahati, said the training camp was also helping strengthen sporting ties between India and Nepal.
“The Nepal Boxing Team is undergoing structured training and coaching at SAI NCOE Guwahati. Sporting exchanges such as this help strengthen the bonds between India and Nepal and promote friendship, cooperation and mutual understanding. Sport serves as a powerful bridge connecting the people of India and Nepal,” Mittal said.
SAI NCOE boxing coach Narendra Rana said the camp had provided a valuable competitive environment for both the Nepalese and Indian boxers.
“Training and sparring with boxers from the Indian Army and Meghalaya has given the Nepalese team a strong competitive environment and helped them work on different styles and tactical situations. We are happy to support their final preparations for the Asian Games and hope this exposure contributes to their performance in Aichi-Nagoya,” Rana said.
Nepali boxer Ramisha Shrestha, who will compete in the 51kg category, said the training experience in Guwahati had helped the team prepare for the Games.
“The facilities, coaching and quality of sparring have helped us improve technically and physically. We are grateful to SAI and the coaches for their support and for giving us the opportunity to prepare alongside strong Indian boxers. This camp has increased our confidence as we head towards the Asian Games,” she said.