STATE BOXING CHAMPIONSHIP KICKS OFF
The State Boxing Championship 2017 commenced on January 10 at A Hall of the Central Sport Palace. Some 201 boxers of 39 teams are competing in nine weight categories for men and eight weight categories for women this year.
Top boxers of Mongolia are competing at this year’s championship, including Olympic bronze medalist D.Otgondalai; International Sport Master E.Tsendbaatar and O.Batkhuu in the men’s 60 kg category; Kh.Enkh-Amar in the men’s 56 kg; A.Nurlan and M.Gandulam in the men’s 52 kg; G.Gan-Erdene and Kh.Enkhmandakh in the men’s 49 kg; M.Nandintsetseg and L.Altsantsetseg in the women’s 51 kg; and M.Gundegmaa, D.Shinetsetseg and B.Suvd-Erdene in the women’s 54 kg category.
Boxing enthusiasts are highly anticipating the faceoff between D.Otgondalai and E.Tsendbaatar.
Last year’s champion in the men’s 56 kg category, E.Tsendbaatar, has put on weight to compete in the men’s 60 kg category this year.
Olympic bronze medalist boxer U.Munkh-Erdene passed this year’s championship as he is currently studying in Russia. Asian champion E.Enkhzorig, B.Javkhlan and T.Bolortuul also passed this year’s tournament.
The State Boxing Championship 2017 will conclude on January 15.
Secretary general of the Mongolian Boxing Federation Ts.Batnasan gave an interview during the State Boxing Championship.
What’s the difference between this year’s state championship and previous championships?
Mongolian athletes have been successful at international tournament last year. For example, athletes brought two bronze medals from the Rio 2016 in judo and boxing. The state championship tournaments of the most popular sports in the country have kicked off. A total of 201 boxers of 39 teams are competing in this year’s championship. From Day 1 of the tournament, it was clear that the skills of boxers competing from provinces were better developed than before. We will form the national boxing team after the tournament.
This year’s championship is taking place on two rings. This is special. Also, the State Boxing Championship 2017 is being organized in the new rule approved by International Boxing Association (AIBA).
Can you specify the changes in the new rule?
AIBA made few changes in its rule. Female boxers used to fight for four rounds of two minutes each. According to the new rule, female boxers will fight for three rounds of three minutes each like male boxers. Female boxers have to wear a headgear.
Will winners of the State Boxing Championship 2017 qualify to fight in the World and Asian Boxing Championships?
Yes, of course. The winner in each category will win a right to represent the country at international tournaments.
Will the general assembly of the Mongolian Boxing Federation be held after the state championship?
The general assembly of the federation was postponed several times. President of the federation D.Bat-Erdene was abroad. The executive board of the Mongolian Boxing Federation will announce the exact date of the general assembly soon.
There is a rumor that Mayor of Ulaanbaatar S.Batbold and director of MAK Corporation B.Nyamtaichir have been nominated for the federation’s presidency. Is it true?
I don’t know about that. We sent proposals to Mayor S.Batbold and asked if he will be able to work as the president of the federation. I don't know if he agreed or not. We will elect a president after the general assembly.