KBF holds first junior tournament
KBF holds first junior tournament

KBF holds first junior tournament

NAMPA
The Khomas Boxing Federation (KBF) on Saturday held its first junior boxing tournament for 2018 at the After School Centre in Grysblok.

Thirty-eight local junior boxers took part in various weight categories, while several others were there to cheer their fellow boxers on.

Speaking to Nampa on the sidelines of the tournament, KBF president Jason 'Taks' Naule said it was the federation's wish to hold two tournaments, one for juniors and one for seniors, on a monthly basis.

“We believe the juniors are the most important stakeholders in boxing. They are the future of the country's boxing. This is a big part of our development strategy. We decided to separate juniors and seniors, so as to avoid having a long programme,” he explained.

He said only 38 boxers could compete on Saturday, because some had failed to secure opponents, while each boxing stable was only able to field one boxer per weight category.

KBF has 12 member clubs and all of them participated in the tournament.

Naule added that funds to run such tournaments are hard to come by and thus called on interested companies to come on board and assist in the development of the sport.

“We use membership registration fees to run these tournaments, but it becomes difficult to run them all year round, as by the second month, we would have probably used all our finances,” he said.

Commenting on how they aim to keep these juniors on the radar, as they grow older, Naule said unfortunately they alone cannot do this, as it is a national issue.

He added they only advise the boxers when necessary, in order to make sure that the talented youngsters do not only flourish at a junior level, but also when they become seniors, amateurs and professionals.

The former professional boxer said such tournaments help develop skills, not only among the boxers, but also for all those involved.

“The organisers, referees, managers, coaches, ringside judges and the timekeepers learn a lot. We all benefit in one way or another,” he said, adding that the next tournament will be held on 3 March 2018.

NAMPA

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Namibian Sun 2024-11-24

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