Boxing makes a comeback at SFC

LUCKNOW: St Francis’ College has revived a tradition that had been dormant for 40 years. Instilling confidence and spirit of leadership through discipline, boxing existed in the institution till early the 1970’s. Junior and middle school boys keenly took up the game and rose to represent the school and the state at the national level. Franciscans like Francis Alexander, Douglas Shepherd, Soumitra Sengupta, Clarence Healy and Roland Parker are boxing legends.

The School of Leadership, formed by accomplished Franciscans like Air Marshal (Retd) Denzil Keelor, Rajan Johri and Bimal Chadha in January this year, is on a mission to uphold and enrich the leadership heritage of SFC. Reviving the tradition of excellence in education and extra-curricular activities is a key mission of the School of Leadership. The first ever march past of senior Franciscans was recently blessed by the Bishop Rev. Dr Mathias. Franciscans from all over the world recently congregated at the college and reaffirmed their pledge to ‘answer when duty shall call’.

Boxing is the second event of the School of Leadership held after 40 years. 10 boxers, 10 to 15 years of age displayed ‘scientific boxing techniques’ under the watchful eyes of referees Devendra Kumar and Douglas Shepherd. The college gym was full of excited Franciscans. “Perseverance, alertness and preparation are the key lessons,” said Rajan Johri, president, School of Leadership. Chairman Bimal Chadha said “We are committed to developing Franciscans as leaders.” Referees Douglas Shepherd and Devendra Kumar, who have both coached boxers for national competitions for several years, timekeeper Franciscan Harshvardhan Tewari who has an unbeaten time record in marathon, ring superintendent Rajan Johri, umpires and the winners were felicitated by principal Rev Father Denis Naresh Lobo.