Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru has confirmed the appointment of Adi Narayan as the new chairman of the boxing commission of Fiji on Tuesday.
Narayan replaces former chair Dr Subbash Appana, whose terms came to an end this year.
Saukuru said it is the intention of the Fiji Government to lift the standard and quality of Boxing in Fiji.
Other members include Eroni Loganimoce, Visila Koliqaruqaru, Gyan Singh and Rahul Pillay.
Saukuru said the new appointees are well-balanced to take the sport of boxing to newer heights.
“Over the years Fiji has produced classy professional boxers who have lifted the standard of the sport in the country. The likes of Leweni Waqa, Alipate Korovou, Sani Fine, Sunia Cama and Sakaraia Ve were some of the finest exponents of the sport to have graced the boxing ring in Fiji,” he said.
“In fact, they all made a name for themselves during their time in the ring as some of them even went closer to punching their way to world titles,” he said. “Time, however, has pushed their moments of glory into oblivious, and we had forgotten how much joy these once prominent boxers brought to the local sporting arena.”
The Minister reiterated his call to all sporting bodies in Fiji, urging them to ensure that the welfare of every boxer is paramount and should be addressed immediately.
“Ensure that all the rules and guidelines to protect athletes are strictly observed. Whenever possible, work closely with all the promoters of the game but never deviate from the standards set.”
“On that same token, I am asking you to consider giving free ringside seats to all our former boxers in every Boxing Event. They deserve to be treated well with dignity as they retire from the sport.”
