Nagpur, April 23
While appreciating city boxer Alfiya Pathan's gold-winning feat at Asian Youth Boxing Championship at Poland, Maharashtra sports minister Sunil Kedar said from now onwards the state government will take care of her and will provide all the necessary facilities including her education at the Akola-based government's boxing academy.
By clinching the gold medal in above 81 weight category, Alfiya has become first from Maharashtra who has bagged gold in World Youth Boxing Championship. In the 81 above weight category, she knocked out Daria Kozoez of Moldova 5-0 in a one-sided affair and in the process ensured the seventh gold medal for India.
Lauding her medal-winning effort Kedar while talking to Lokmat Times said, “ We are all proud of Alfiya. She has achieved a great feat. The state government will support her so that she will bring more laurels to the country in future”.
When pointed out that Nagpur lacks the required facilities for advance training Kedar said, “ It is not possible for the government to provide all the facilities at all centres. The state government has its academy at Akola. We will provide her all the required facilities there. At the same time if she wishes we will take care of her education”.
Abut incentives, Kedar said as per government rules and regulations Alfiya will get cash incentives. “ In fact I will try for more once the Covid scare ends”, he said.
Elated over Alfiya's historic success Maharashtra Boxing Association president Jay Kowli has announced a cash reward of Rs one lakh on the behalf of association. Talking to Lokmat Times he said, “ It is commendable that Alfiya has won gold medal. She has achieved a greater height. As a MBA president I am announcing a cash reward of Rs 1 lakh to her”.
Kowali also said Alfiya's success has proved that the game of boxing has not just restricted to Mumbai. “ We spread the game in every town of the state and as a result more talented players are coming forward”.
Alfiya is now targeting 2024 Olympics but for that she will have to reduce her weight. Asked about Alfiya's dream Kowli said, “ I would like to advice Alfiya to show patience. It is not easy to reduce around 10 to 15 kg weight in three years. Still we have enough time. Once she arrive in India I will talk with Alfiya herself, her parents and coaches and will try to provide all kind of help”, he said.
Still deprived of cash reward
for 2019 Asian jr gold medal
Alfiya was entitled for cash reward from he state government when she won gold medal in Asian Junior Boxing Championship in 2019. However, even after completing all the formalities she is still deprived of it. In this regard when contacted DSO Avinash Pund he said, “ This is fact. The proposal for cash reward to Alfiya is still pending with government. I will take the follow up of it”. Pund also said he will try to get one full time government boxing coach to train the talented boxers at Divisional Sports Complex.