Boxing preparations in full swing in Elista

During FISU’s inspection visit to Elista, Russia for the upcoming World University Boxing Championships, local organisers showed FISU representatives significant progress to hosting a world-class event

Action from the 2016 FISU World University Boxing Championships that took place in Chiang Mai, Thailand 

ELISTA – With the FISU World University Boxing Championship series making its way to Elista in the Russian republic of Kalmykia, FISU representatives met with local organisers to check on the preparation status for the event set to take place from 1-6 September.

FISU’s World University Championships director Paulo Ferreira headed the inspection visit and was accompanied by the Executive Director of the Russian Student Sports Union (RSSU) Dmitry Kiselev and the FISU Boxing Technical Delegate, Eduard Abdulmanov.

Elista organisers showed the strong strides they were making to hosting a world-class event when the FISU team examined the sports complex Oirat-Arena with the inspection team holding in high regard the location and condition of the venue, the on-iste medical center and office facilities. Mr. Ferreira noted that the venue of the World Boxing Championship has a good infrastructure.

“There is everything we need here,” the FISU Championships director said. “The organising committee is ready, it works quite actively. I have every reason to believe that the competitions scheduled for this September will be successful and held at a top international event. I am very much looking forward to this tournament.”

After visiting the Oirat-Arena sports complex, the inspection team shared the results of the venue visit with the head of the Republic of Kalmykia, Alexei Orlov. Greeting the guests, the head of the region drew their attention to the fact that the republic has long been preparing for this important sporting event. Mr. Orlov expressed his utmost confidence that the conditions and infrastructure will meet all the necessary requirements for holding high-level sports events.

“We are grateful to FISU for the decision to hold the World Boxing Championship among students in Russia, also we are grateful to the Russian Student Sports Union that chose Elista. We will not let down.”

-Alexie Orlov, head of the Republic of Kalmykia, Russia

With the finalisation of the venue inspection visit, the next major step will be for the organisers will come in inviting the world’s best university boxers to participate in the tournament. All told, organisers plan on 25 countries to the western Russian city. Another important test for Elista organisers will be hosting the Russian Boxing Students Championship this March.

In addition to Elista organisers showing that preparations are in place, the city offers a unique cultural experience.  “As a rule, student-athletes are used to traveling, but usually to big cities” Mr. Ferreira said. “These Championship are an opportunity for participants to learn something new. To know the republic, the city and to learn Kalmyk hospitality.

Having a World University Championship event in Elista opens something new to the athletes. Of course, we first of all want students to come here to perform and win medals in the boxing championship, but its also an opportunity for them to learn more about the region and its people, and all that Elista has to offer.”