They are boxers in the making
By ELAN PERUMAL
Photos by MOHD SAHAR MISNI
THE Kuala Lumpur Amateur Boxing Association (KLABA) and the Rotary Club of Kuala Lumpur North have embarked on an ambitious programme to groom boxers.
They have picked SMK La Salle in Petaling Jaya to launch their pilot programme. And surprisingly, the interest among students has been encouraging.
SMK La Salle principal A. Rajenthran said they were receptive to KLABA and the Rotary Club's proposal as boxing was an interesting and exciting sport.
About 150 students, aged between 13 to16, have signed up for the lessons held twice a week.
Uzbek Alex Synkov has been conducting physical training for the students since January.
Rajenthran, a former athletics coach, said the programme has attracted some of the top students in the school.
“These students had excellent results in the UPSR exam. Some of them scored straight As. They have adapted well to the training programme. We have to thank KLABA and the Rotary Club for starting this programme in our school.
“We look at the programme as a training ground to groom boxers for the country. We will be happy if our students can make it to either the state or national squads.
“We have also appointed a teacher to oversee the programme. We are happy with the students progress,'' said Rajenthran.
KLABA secretary VKM Krishnan Nambiar said the training programme was a big test.
“We are providing the technical support. The Rotary Club has been supportive of the programme. It is also part of the club's youth development programme. It is a trial for us. We are looking at schools as a platform to scout for new talents.
“We are encouraged by the support from the school, parents and more importantly the students' enthusiasm,'' said Krishnan.
Rotary Club boxing co-ordinator Raja Reno said it was the first time they had initiated a sports programme in a school. “I believe we have taken the first step in the right direction,’’ he said
Source : By ELAN PERUMAL. They are boxers in the making. The Star (Central) Load Date: Tuesday May 1, 2007