Bellary, Sep 14: Aiming to secure berths in the world championship squad, close to 400 boxers, including the likes of five-time Asian medallist Shiva Thapa and former world bronze-winner Gaurav Bidhuri, will be competing in the National Men’s Championships starting here on Wednesday.
The gold-winners from the event will be automatic selections for the world event, while the silver-medallists will fetch a place in the national camp.
The Olympic-returned group of five, including flyweight star Amit Panghal, have decided to give the event a miss.
While Thapa will compete in 63.5kg category representing Assam, Bidhuri will be in action in the 57kg division for the Railways. Head guards will be used during the competition as was reported by PTI earlier this month.
The world event will be held from October 26.
Aside from Shiva Thapa, Commonwealth Games medallist Mohammad Hussamuddin (Services) and Asian silver-medallist Deepak Kumar (Services) will also be among the country’s top boxers who will be vying for the titles. (PTI)
