The former bronze medalist at the Asian Championships, Ankushita Boro praised the Khelo India University Games for playing a prominent role in her career. After facing a decline in form following her victory at the 2017 youth world championship, Ankushita made a strong comeback at the 2020 KIUG games by clinching a gold.
Assam is set to host the fourth edition of the Khelo India University Games (KIUG) 2023, from February 19. The former youth world boxing champion Ankushita Boro is optimistic about the prospects of the state’s young athletes gaining a lot of exposure from the marque tournament.
Ankushita Boro optimistic about Khelo India University Games 2023
Speaking ahead of the event, Ankushita said, “I will always remember the Khelo India Youth Games in Guwahati, where I picked the gold medal, it was sort of a fresh start for me in terms of performance. From my personal experience, I can say that the Khelo India platform has brought in a fierce competitive spirit right from the under-18 days.”
“I’m sure this edition of the Khelo India University Games will be no different. There will be almost 4,500 athletes from across 200 universities battling for glory. There will be mouthwatering inter-university rivalries, inter-state face-offs (athletes of one state facing off against each other’s universities), which will make it all the more exciting,” she added.
Ankushita Boro was appointed to Class III post under the Directorate of Sports & Youth Welfare, last year, under government’s Integrated Sports Policy.after returning with a gold medal from the 36th National Games in Gujarat.
Recognizing the dedication of the state government to sports, the champion boxer expressed her appreciation saying, “The government has been very supportive for sportspersons, and has walked the talk when it comes to providing jobs under the policy. This has encouraged players from less privileged families to dream about a career in sports for a secured future.”
Ankushita, also spoke highly of the support received at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Golaghat during her early days, who hails from Meghai Jarani village in Sonitpur district. “There are a number of athletes from SAI Golaghat, who have brought laurels to the state and the country. I will forever be grateful to the centre for shaping my career during my formative years.”
Ankushita expressed her assurance in the smooth execution of the upcoming Khelo India University Games, stating that past successful hosting of similar major events will make the task more manageable.
“Assam has successfully hosted such big-ticket events in the past, and this time, I am sure the state government will be committed to make it even better. If we speak of the sports infrastructure in Assam, we are in no way less than any sporting powerhouses of the country.”
“The recently launched National Centre of Excellence in Amingaon is a world-class facility for badminton players, for boxers we have a number of great training facilities across the city, and the state in general. For other sports too, the infrastructure is equally good, and hosting such events will further boost it,” she mentioned.
“It also gives the participants a very good chance to experience Assam and the Northeast, offering a wide range of ethnic cuisines, music, natural beauty and wildlife,” said the former Asian Champion while greeting the attendees of KIUG 2023.
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