It is the intention of the Fiji Government to lift the standard and quality of Boxing in Fiji.

These were the remarks of the Minister for Youth and Sports Hon.Jese Saukuru who further announced yesterday the appointment of new Board members of the Boxing Commission of Fiji.

Hon.Saukuru, who made the announcement in Suva, confirmed Mr. Adi Narayan as the new Chairman in replacement of Dr Subbash Appana.

Other members include Mr. Eroni Loganimoce, Ms. Visila Koliqaruqaru, Mr. Gyan Singh and Mr. Rahul Pillay.

Hon.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 for Youth and Sports 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 to deviate from the standards set,” he said.

“On that same token, I am asking you to consider giving free ring side seats to all our former boxers in every Boxing Events. They deserve to be treated well with dignity as they retire from the sport”.