The inspiring meetings in India that once again reinforced the impact of our achievements with World Boxing for boxing’s future in the Olympic Games.

The inspiring meetings in India that once again reinforced the impact of our achievements with World Boxing for boxing’s future in the Olympic Games. 

Together with my wife Ingeborg, I had the pleasure of visiting the National Centre of Excellence in Haryana — a key institution behind the international success of Indian boxing. 

Founded in 1984, this centre focuses on 23 priority sports disciplines where Indian athletes have the highest potential to achieve podium finishes. 

I had the honour of planting a tree there — a symbolic gesture of giving new life and energy to this historic place.

We were also glad to visit the boxing home of Meenakshi Honda, the inaugural World Boxing Championships gold medalist from India — the Shaheed Batun Singh’s Boxing Club. It’s always a privilege to witness where champions are made. I would like to express my deep gratitude to her coach Vijay Hooda and the president Satyapa Sandhu of the Haryana region for their commitment to boxing and for nurturing such outstanding talent for our sport.

Last but not least, we had the opportunity to visit Meenakshi's family at their home. It was a moving experience to meet her parents and loved ones. The social impact of boxing was clearly visible here. Meenakshi's excellent boxing performances are of great value to her family and the entire community in her village. That is very valuable. Today they are coming to Greater Nodia to cheer on their favorite.

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