SAI Aurangabad to have centre of excellence for hockey, boxing

Hockey and boxing players currently playing in junior groups will be groomed for 2024 and 2028 Olympics, deputy director of SAI Aurangabad, Virendra Bhandarkar, said.

The centre of excellence at the Aurangabad centre of the Sports Authority of India is well-equipped with boxing rings and synthetic hockey turf. (REPRESENTATIVE IMAGE)

A centre of excellence for hockey and boxing will be set up at the Aurangabad centre of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) to sharpen the talent of players, an official said on Sunday.

Hockey and boxing players currently playing in junior groups will be groomed for 2024 and 2028 Olympics, deputy director of SAI Aurangabad, Virendra Bhandarkar, said. The centre is well-equipped with boxing rings and synthetic hockey turf, he said.

“Our establishment has been allotted with the zonal center for excellence for two games. We would get the strength of around 35 in boxing... We are expecting 24 boys and as many girls here in hockey,” he added.

Players will be selected through various competitions by talent scout teams, Bhandarkar said.

“A new hostel, which can accommodate 300 players, is also sanctioned for SAI, Aurangabad. We are currently running Khelo India Weightlifting Academy here. Weight-lifters practising here have also won medals,” he said.