BFI reveals mascot 'Veera' for IBA Women's World Boxing Championships

New Delhi, March 10 (IANS) The Boxing Federation India (BFI) on Friday unveiled the mascot 'Veera' for the upcoming IBA Women's World Boxing Championships 2023, scheduled from March 15 to 26 at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex, here.

BFI unveiled the mascot in the presence of Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur, BFI President Ajay Singh and the Indian contingent participating in the prestigious event.

As per organisers, the mascot cheetah, which is named Veera, is synonymous to strength, valour, bravery and courage.

"Just like Cheetah, the world's fastest animal on land known for their speed, boxers beat their opponents with quick moments in the ring. Veera, the epitome of strength and courage, represents all the women boxers," the organisers said in a media release.

Meanwhile, the Sports Minister said India should make a habit of hosting big international events.

"We have to make a habit of hosting [big] international events. As we are organising World Boxing Championships, I would request Ajay ji that we should give opportunities for young boxers from across the country to come here and watch Indian as well as international stars, meet coaches through some program. It will be a big chance for them to get an idea about the preparation that they would need to do in order to reach that level in the future," Thakur said.

"I also congratulate BFI, Ajay Singh and Team for hosting the Boxing World Championships for the third time and wish the best luck to all the players," he added.

Accepting the Minister's suggestion, BFI President Ajay Singh said the federation will try their best to get the young boxers and coaches from across the country at the tournament, giving them opportunity to learn from the top stars of the sport.

"Anurag Singh Thakur has taken on the mantle of ensuring India become a power to be reckoned with in the world of sports. Boxing is trying to contribute to that larger objective. We are the third ranked boxing nation in the world. We are very proud of our women's boxing team. There will be a highest number of countries and boxers participating at the tournament. We just hope all of you [boxers] do exceedingly well and let's put on a spectacular show for the entire world to see," Singh said.

Top names from the boxing world, including eight Olympics medallists, will fight for the title at the tournament which India will be hosting for the record third time. The event will also see a massive prize pool of INR 20 crore.