New Delhi

The 2nd Rural Electrification Corporation Limited (REC) Talent Hunt boxing competition is gearing up for its grand finale, the Combined National Talent Hunt, which will take place in Rohtak, Haryana, from October 6 to 22, 2024. This event follows two successful competitions held in Noida and Guwahati.

Organized by the Boxing Federation of India (BFI), in collaboration with REC Limited and the Sports Authority of India, the Talent Hunt has attracted over 4,000 boxers from sub-junior to senior age groups. The top eight boxers from both previous events will earn a direct entry into the National Championships by reaching the finals, while quarterfinalists will receive scholarships to support their training—a first for the BFI.

The competition will feature Elite and Youth categories from October 6 to 13, with Elite boxers competing in 12 weight classes and Youth boxers in 10. Following this, Junior and sub-junior categories will compete from October 15 to 22, offering 13 and 14 weight categories, respectively.

Hemanta Kumar Kalita, Secretary General of the BFI, noted the strong participation and improved quality of boxers compared to last year, attributing this to the direct entry incentive for finalists and potential selection for the National Camp. The initiative aims to promote boxing beyond traditional areas and discover promising talent for international competitions, including the Olympics. Last year, over 6,000 boxers participated across four locations.