Kickboxing orientation camp for PETs held

All Orissa Kickboxing Association (AOKA), in collaboration with State School and Mass Education Department, conducted a State-level orientation camp for physical education teachers here at Pumas Martial Arts Complex earlier this week.
The two-day programme aimed at popularising kickboxing in schools through the PETs. Twenty-six PETs, who joined the two-day programme, were taught the basics of kickboxing by National and State level coaches Manoj Shukla, Pradyumna Behera and Bibhuti Bhusan Behera.
Preparing a formidable home contingent for the 53rd National School Kickboxing Championship, scheduled to be held here at Kalinga Stadium in December this year, was another reason for which the orientation camp held.
‘‘Kickboxing has already been recognised by the National School Games Federation (SGFI). The discipline made its debut in the National School Games last year at New Delhi. Now efforts are being made to create more and more interest for this martial sport in schools and other educational institutions,’’ said Indian Kickboxing Federation working president Sudhanshu Sekhar Harichandan.
He also disclosed that prior to the ensuing National School Kickboxing Championship, the State School Kickboxing meet will be held here in November.