First in Sikkim : International Boxing Referee

FIRST IN SIKKIM SERIES: 27.05.23, BORDANG, WEST PANDAM - Pritam Shilal, a resident of Bordang, West Pandam, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first International Referee in Boxing from the state of Sikkim. This remarkable achievement comes after Pritam completed the IBA 1 Star R&J Course organized by the International Boxing Association, held in Kathmandu, Nepal, from April 3 to 8, 2023.

Pritam's journey began in 2018 when he completed the National level 1st Star R&J boxing referee course in Dergaon, Assam. He displayed exceptional dedication and talent, subsequently pursuing and completing the 2-Star R&J and 3-Star R&J courses. His expertise as a referee has been witnessed at various regional and national-level events, including the North East Olympics, East Zones, Elite Nationals, Khelo India, and National Games.

Recognizing his outstanding abilities, Pritam Shilal was honoured with the title of Best Referee at the Sub Junior Nationals held in JSW Bellary, Karnataka, in 2022. His passion for the sport extends beyond officiating, as he is also a former two-time bronze medalist at the Nationals and was awarded Best Boxer at the state-level boxing competition. Presently, Pritam is a boxing coach at the esteemed Singtam Boxing Club, where he imparts his knowledge and expertise to aspiring athletes.

Under Pritam's tutelage, his students flourished and achieved remarkable success in boxing. Ashwani Kumari Sapkota, one of his students, clinched a silver medal at the Sub-Junior National Boxing Championship held in Bellary, Karnataka, in 2022. Additionally, the same year, Ashwani secured a silver medal at the North Eastern Zonal Junior Boxing Championship conducted in Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh.

Another promising student of Pritam Shilal, Prava Gajmer, has been recently selected for the prestigious National Excellence of Excellence NBA in Rohtak, Haryana. Prava has already showcased exceptional talent by securing a bronze medal at the National Junior Boxing Championship held in Sonipat, Haryana, in 2021 and a bronze medal at the Youth Nationals in Tamil Nadu in 2022. Most recently, Prava claimed a bronze medal at the Khelo India Youth Games in Bhopal in 2023.

Pritam Shilal's unwavering commitment, perseverance, and dedication have paved the way for his own success and positively influenced the lives of numerous young boxers. His journey exemplifies the potential and talent in Sikkim's sporting community and inspires aspiring athletes across the state.