Golden Jubilee Celebration and Annual Prize Distribution of Goa Amateur Boxing Association

Goa Khabar:Goa Amateur Boxing Association (GABA) proudly celebrated its Golden Jubilee and Annual Prize Distribution at Hotel Green Park on Wednesday. The occasion was graced by Chief Guest, MLA of Pernem Constituency, Pravin Arlekar, and MLA of Siolim Constituency, Delilah Lobo.

In his address, Chief Guest, MLA , Pernem, Pravin Arlekar congratulated GABA, stating, “I congratulate Goa Amateur Boxing Association for completing 50 years. There is huge support from the government, Chief Minister, and Sports Minister, who have taken good initiatives to see sports progress. Today, when technology has become the forefront, it is pertinent to have young children participate in sports activities. It is good to see our boxers shine.”

MLA, Siolim, Delilah Lobo  expressed her joy, stating, “At the national level, you all do well, but we wish that our boxers cab represent Indian at international Boxing events. That should be the aim of coaches. The annual prize distribution motivates the boxers and coaches to work hard. The previous presidents of GABA have paved the way for today.”

Boxing in Goa has a rich history spanning over five decades. Introduced in the early 1970s by Jesuits and Franciscan priests, the sport flourished when young enthusiasts from Saligao took on the Indian Air Force Boxing Team in 1973. Pioneers like Lenny D’Gama played a pivotal role, establishing training programs and organizing tournaments. Goa Amateur Boxing Association, formed in 1994, has since hosted several prestigious tournaments, contributing to the sport’s growth and popularity in the state.

President of GABA, Francis Viegas expressed: “It is a matter of great pride that the Goa Amateur Boxing Association is celebrating 50 years this year. Our boxers have reigned in the national ring in the earlier years, and now again we see the zeal and hunger among many boxers to create this passion into a profession. Every year we will reward our boxers and coaches for winning medals and hope that they continue to perform and motivate others.”

The highlight of the evening was the felicitation of the National Games Award winners with a cash prize. The boxers included Bronze medalists: Niharika Gonella and AK Roshanzamir Khan, silver medalists: Akash Gorkha, Sanamacha Chanu and Lokesh, and gold medalists: Gaurav Chauhan, Sakshi and Rajat Punia.  The Sub Juniors Girl medalists were also felicitated and include Mamta Raut (bronze), Suman Patil (silver), and Laxmi Lamani (gold). Coaches Nilesh Khanolkar, Santosh Birmole, Chidambaram Naik, Valanky Dumaskar, Arif Uddin, and Sameer Kenchikera were also felicitated with cash prizes for their dedication and contributions toward the medals won.

Present were Executive Committee Secretary Hemant Nagvenkar, Working President Ninil D’Souza, Danuska Da Gama, Treasurer Gerson De Souza, and International Technical Official and Vice President Lenny Da Gama, among others.

The event concluded with a commitment to continue promoting and supporting boxing in Goa, ensuring the sport’s bright future in the state.