By Our Reporter
Shillong, Nov 28: In a dramatic turn of events, Meghalaya’s hopes in the 7th Elite Men’s National Boxing Championship were dashed on Tuesday as the pre-quarterfinal round witnessed the departure of the state’s last remaining contenders, Badonkupar Synnah and Bhalang Shadap.
Nevertheless, the dynamic duo left an indelible mark on the hearts of local fans, providing a riveting display of skill and determination.
Despite their exit, the championship continues to pulse with excitement, showcasing the prowess of the nation’s top male boxers as the competition intensifies on the path to the title bouts. Scheduled to conclude on December 1, the event is orchestrated by the Meghalaya Boxing Association in collaboration with the Boxing Federation of India and generously sponsored by the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Meghalaya, at the SAI Indoor Hall.
Amidst a flurry of 104 scheduled bouts on this bustling day, the organizational finesse of the Meghalaya Boxing Association, the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, and dedicated volunteers ensured the seamless flow of action.
Amit Panghal, the 2018 Asian Games champion from Services, clinched victory in the flyweight 48-51kg category against Jayshandeep Singh of Punjab through a split decision.
Although a measured contest, Panghal expressed some dissatisfaction with his performance despite the judges declaring the bout in his favor.In a subsequent bout, Assam’s Shiva Thapa, the reigning gold medalist, dominated Santhosh HK of Karnataka in the light welterweight 60-63.5kg category, securing a unanimous verdict from the judges.
Notably, other elite boxers, including the 2019 Asian Championships silver medallist Ashish Kumar Chaudhary, were slated for later bouts in the evening.
Meghalaya’s own pugilists, who had previously exhibited stellar performances in their opening matches, continued to fight valiantly. Synnah, competing in the light welterweight category, faced Harsh Vardhan Joshi of Uttarakhand.
Despite Synnah having his opponent on the ropes at times, Joshi managed to secure victory on a split decision, displaying resilience in the final rounds. In the welterweight 63.5-67kg category, Bhalang Shadap faced a formidable challenge against Parlad Singh of Punjab, who enjoyed a noticeable height advantage. Despite Shadap’s commendable efforts, Parlad emerged as the clear winner, securing victory based on points.
As the championship progresses, the echoes of Meghalaya’s spirited participation will undoubtedly resonate, leaving an enduring impact on the boxing aficionados gathered to witness the pinnacle of pugilistic excellence. In the aftermath of Meghalaya’s valiant chapter in the 7th Elite Men’s National Boxing Championship, the state may bid farewell to its local contenders, but the spirit of sportsmanship and the fervor ignited by Badonkupar Synnah and Bhalang Shadap will endure. As the championship hurtles towards its grand conclusion on December 1, fans can anticipate more thrilling matchups and exceptional displays of skill from the nation’s top boxers.
The indomitable efforts of Meghalaya’s athletes have not only elevated the state’s standing in the boxing arena but have also sown the seeds of inspiration for aspiring pugilists, ensuring that the legacy of this championship will resonate far beyond the final bell. The championship is expected to be a major sporting event in Shillong and will attract a large number of spectators. The MBA is working closely with the Government of Meghalaya to ensure that the event is a success.
The MBA is confident that the 7th Elite Men’s National Boxing Championship will be a major success and will help to promote the sport of boxing in India.