State must mull options for sports academies: Kharshiing

SHILLONG: Boxing Federation of India vice president (East Zone), John F Kharshiing said the state government and the North East Council must consider options of investing in sustainable sports academies so as to tap the potential of youths in the state as well as the region in Olympic and non-Olympic sports.

In a press statement issued here, Kharshiing is optimistic that the National Games 2002 proposed to be held in Meghalaya will pave the way for setting up sports academies in the state.

“Despite the challenges faced by the state, I am looking forward to the tremendous opportunities that will come with the proposed National Games,” he said.

During a recent visit to take part in a three-day programme in Almaty, Kazakhstan, Kharshiing, who is also the president of Meghalaya Boxing Association,  visited the AIBA World Boxing Academy at Talgar, , which is a specialized centre of excellence for Boxing National Federations that are affiliated to AIBA.

 Impressed by the facilities of the AIBA boxing academy, he said that the facility has set the best practice global standards for boxing education, development and performance.