Amateur boxing champs at Swakop

THE 2023 annual National Amateur Boxing Championships is set to take place at Swakopmund from 22 to 26 March, and the Erongo Boxing Federa- tion has been nominated as the host.

The championship aims to select talented youths who will represent Namibia during various international sports and boxing tournaments.

The Erongo Boxing Federation has been the defending champion of the na- tional boxing championships for four consecutive years, starting in 2018.

With participants from all 14 re- gions, the event is expected to show- case a vast array of boxing talent.

“We are confident that, as hosts, we can come out tops for the fifth consecutive year,” vice chairperson of the Erongo Boxing Federation Tan- geni Amuthenu told Erongo governor Neville Andre at Swakopmund on

Wednesday. According to Amuthenu, promoting sport, particularly boxing, among young people has numerous benefits. It helps them lead a healthy lifestyle, develop self-defence skills, and stay occupied and away from negative influences.

“This initiative has also helped Na- mibia gain international recognition in boxing competitions,” he said.

However, the challenge of funding such an event remains. Housing, trans- portation, food and drinks, venue, and boxing attire for participants and their supporting crews require a significant amount of resources.

Despite the lack of support from the government and the national box- ing federation, the vice chairperson affirmed that the event will take place regardless of the funds available, but still invited sponsors to make this event a success.

“Amateur boxing is the springboard

for boxers into the professional arena, where they can start earning a good income for themselves and still be the pride of their country, but for them to get there, they need all our support,” he said.

Andre expressed his support for the initiative and pledged to provide assistance from his office. He em- phasised that Namibia has a wealth of athletic and sport talent, including boxing, and that there is widespread interest in developing the sport. He acknowledged that managing such events can be expensive, and called for everyone to come together to make the event a reality.

The 2023 National Amateur Boxing Championships promises to be a thrill- ing and impactful event, showcasing the talent and potential of Namibian boxers. With the support of the govern- ment and the community, this annual bonanza is sure to be a major success.

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