Boxing has long been a sport that produces some of the most celebrated athletes globally. Legends like Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, and Floyd Mayweather are household names. Muhammad Ali's fame even brought him to Bangladesh, a testament to his global appeal. Yet, in stark contrast, boxing remains a largely unrecognised sport in Bangladesh. Sura Krishna Chakma stands as the nation's sole professional boxer, a beacon of hope in an otherwise overlooked sport.
Emerging from Rangamati, Sura Krishna has become a symbol of perseverance and excellence in Bangladeshi boxing. He has clinched the national championship multiple times and remains the only professional boxer acknowledged in the country. His accolades include winning the first professional boxing event in Bangladesh and securing the Asian Boxing Federation's Super Lightweight Intercontinental Championship belt. However, his recent revelations have cast a shadow over the sport's administration in the country.
In a bold move, Sura Krishna Chakma recently took to Facebook to voice his grievances, alleging that he was banned for seeking training abroad. He did not shy away from pointing fingers at the general secretary of the Boxing Federation, accusing him of mismanagement.
Sura Krishna's frustration was palpable in his post: "From 2013 to 2022, despite being the champion in various national competitions, including the Bangladesh Games, I received nothing from the federation except medals." His words were a stark reminder of the lack of support for athletes in the country. "I am speaking out only for the sake of the next generation," he added, highlighting his concern for future athletes.
His accusations against the federation were severe: "I was banned solely for pursuing advanced training abroad. Without proper planning and support for athletes, the standard of living for players in Bangladesh will never improve. There is no one to speak against all the irregularities."
Sura Krishna also criticised the federation's inability to organise international competitions: "Since 2014, no general secretary of the Boxing Federation has managed to organise an international competition. Year after year, national team players wait for an international event. There is no long-term training. The awareness of boxing in Bangladesh is growing because of professional boxing, not the federation."
His call for reform was clear as he pointed out the lack of competent leadership within the federation. Sura Krishna Chakma's words resonate as a powerful critique of the current state of boxing in Bangladesh, urging for a change that could uplift the sport and its athletes.
