Tuesday, March 14, 2023
By Manoj Kumawat
Mahindra Automotive To Sponsor IBA Women’s World Boxing Championship
According to the sources of the Boxing Federation of India (BFI), the leading SUV manufacturer, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd will be the official sponsor of the IBA Women’s World Championship 2023, slated from March 15, 2023, to March 26, 2023. With this announcement, the BFI also announced the legendary boxer MC Marcy Kom and Bollywood actor Farhan Akhtar as the brand ambassadors of the championship.
India is organizing the championship for the third time and it is believed that many world-class pugilists will mark their presence at the event. In the words of Ajay Singh, President, of the Boxing Federation of India, “We are delighted to welcome Mahindra Automotive as our lead sponsor. BFI and Mahindra share a common vision of women empowerment through sport and I am happy to see them as our partner in this mission."
Singh also added, “The presence of Mary Kom and Farhan Akhtar as the brand ambassadors for the IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships will add immense value to our mission of encouraging women’s participation in boxing. Mary Kom is a legend of our sport and Farhan Akhtar is a Bollywood icon who has made several inspiring sports movies including one about boxing. The association with these two youth icons will enhance the prestige of this World Championship and help promote the sport across the country. The event will also help showcase to the world India’s potential as a host for big global tournaments”.
Commenting on Mahindra’s association with the championship, Veejay Nakra, President of, the Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. said, “We are delighted to be associated with the IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships, which is a significant step towards promoting women’s boxing globally. We acknowledge the tremendous growth in viewership and followers of women’s boxing over the years, which highlights the strength, resilience, and toughness that women embody in the face of challenges”.
Speaking about the event, Mary Kom, the bronze medallist in the London Olympics said, “India is hosting the World Championships for the third time and it is a special and rare honour. It will underline India’s strength as a sporting nation in front of a global audience. I am delighted to be a part of this tournament and I am certain that this will be a golden page in India’s sporting history”.
Expressing his thoughts, Bollywood actor Farhan Akhtar said, “As an avid sports lover, I have followed the journey of our girls, cheered and applauded every time they brought glory to India in this sport! I hope that all of you will watch the exciting bouts and get inspired by these women from around the world. I would also like to give a special mention to BFI who are doing a tremendous job by encouraging and supporting women in the field of boxing. And finally, good luck to all the players participating in this event. Todun taak!"
Reports reveal that more than 350 boxers from 74 countries across the world have sent their nominations for this biennial event. It would be interesting to know that this time the prize pool of the contest is INR 20 crore, the highest-ever prize pool in the history of the IBA Women’s championship.
