New Delhi, 06 July (H.S.): The national capital is set to host a major professional boxing event for the first time as the Pro Boxing League (PBL) gets underway on July 6 at the Talkatora Indoor Stadium. Preparations for the tournament have entered the final phase ahead of the opening ceremony.

On Friday, a high-level review meeting was held at the venue to assess the arrangements for the event. Members of the organising committee, partner organisations and senior officials attended the meeting to ensure all preparations are in place.

Indian Amateur Boxing Federation President Dr. Rakesh Mishra said the objective of the Pro Boxing League is not merely to organise a competition but to provide boxing with a new identity in India while creating greater opportunities for talented athletes. He said a strong professional boxing structure would enable Indian boxers to gain international-level experience, strengthening their prospects of delivering improved performances at major events, including the Olympic Games.

MLA Ashok Goyal Devrha, who attended the meeting, said such large-scale sporting events would give fresh momentum to Delhi's sporting culture and encourage young people to take up boxing.

Shashikant, a member of the organising committee, said special emphasis has been placed on modern technology and professional event management to ensure the league meets international standards.

The league will feature 32 boxers representing four teams, competing across various weight categories. The organisers believe the tournament will provide a significant platform for emerging talent while giving a major boost to professional boxing in India.

General Secretary Rakesh Thakaran described the Pro Boxing League as an important initiative to help Indian boxers advance at both the national and international levels.

Organising Committee Convener and former Delhi Mayor Jai Prakash said extensive preparations have been made to conduct the league in accordance with international standards. He expressed confidence that the tournament would lay a strong foundation for India to host world-class professional boxing events in the future.

The opening ceremony of the Pro Boxing League will be held at 6:45 p.m. on July 6. Delhi Legislative Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta will attend as the chief guest. Senior Supreme Court advocate R. S. Goswami appealed to sports enthusiasts to attend the event in large numbers and help make the historic tournament a grand success.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar