Guwahati, September 11: Nepal’s Asian Games-bound boxing team is using the SAI National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) in Guwahati as its final training base ahead of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, further strengthening sporting ties between India and Nepal.
Seven Nepalese boxers and two coaches have been training at the SAI NCOE since August 10 and will remain in Guwahati until September 15 before travelling to Japan for the Games, which begin on September 19.
The extended high-performance camp, requested by the Nepal Boxing Federation, has given the visiting boxers access to SAI’s training facilities, coaching, sports science and medical support.
The Nepalese boxers have also been sparring with Indian, Indian Army and Meghalaya boxers, providing them with exposure to different styles and tactical situations ahead of the Asian Games.
SAI NCOE boxing coach Narendra Rana said the camp has been valuable for both the visiting and Indian boxers.
“The training camp has been a valuable experience 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,” Rana said.
Nepal’s 51kg boxer Ramisha Shrestha also highlighted the quality of training and sparring in Guwahati.
“Training at SAI NCOE Guwahati has been a great experience for us. The facilities, coaching and quality of sparring have helped us improve technically and physically. This camp has increased our confidence as we head towards the Asian Games,” she said.
The India-Nepal sporting exchange also included a friendly boxing competition at the SAI Regional Centre, Guwahati, from August 24 to 28, providing the Nepalese contingent with valuable match exposure.
The team also took part in National Sports Day and Teachers’ Day celebrations at the NCOE, giving the visiting athletes an opportunity to interact with Indian athletes, coaches and staff beyond the training arena.
The Nepal delegation comprises 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), accompanied by coaches Raj Shrestha and Deepak Maharjan.
The camp is being conducted on a no-cost-to-SAI basis, with the Nepal Boxing Federation covering international travel, visas, medical insurance and other incidental expenses.
With the Asian Games just days away, the Guwahati camp underlines the growing role of the Northeast in high-performance sport while adding another chapter to India-Nepal sporting cooperation.
By Prarthana Hazarika
