Chennai gets boxing arena and academy

CHENNAI: Chief minister M K Stalin inaugurated the Kalaignar Centenary Boxing Arena and Academy in Gopalapuram here on Wednesday. As part of the event, he attended a flyweight boxing match and presented a trophy to the winner.

Developed by the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT), the facility spans 1.19 acres with an impressive built-up area of 22,200 square feet.

Completed in just 15 months, the arena features two full-sized boxing rings, a spacious training hall and seating for 890 spectators, including 140 VIP seats.

Designed to meet international standards, the fully airconditioned facility has a high-roof design for optimal ventilation, a 1,000-square-foot VIP lounge and dedicated spaces for physiotherapy and coaching. Accessibility has also been prioritised, with well-planned restroom facilities, including provisions for disabled people.

Looking ahead, the academy’s Phase 2 expansion plans include hostel accommodations for athletes and residential facilities for national and international coaches, further strengthening its status as a premier boxing training centre.

“This facility represents more than just a building; it’s a testament to Tamil Nadu’s vision for sporting excellence. With its world-class infrastructure and training facilities, the Kalaignar Centenary Boxing Academy is poised to become a crucial hub for developing future boxing champions from the region,” an SDAT official stated.

The training centre is equipped with modern amenities, including heavy bags, speed bags, specialised strength and agility machines and locker rooms with showers.

“It will be one of a kind in the city. With two rings and a dedicated training hall, this facility will become the hub of boxing in Chennai. We will have quality coaches on board and host several competitions,” said SDAT member-secretary J Meghanath Reddy.

Thousand Lights MLA Ezhilan Naganathan emphasized that the arena would revive Chennai’s connection with boxing. “Kalaignar was a great fighter in the political arena. I wanted a boxing ring in the locality he lived in. It will have the latest equipment,” he said.

Experts highlight that an international-standard boxing arena in the heart of the city would inspire hundreds of young pugilists to reach greater heights in Indian boxing.

Akshey Krishna of AK Architects, consultants for SDAT, noted that boxing in Tamil Nadu has traditionally taken place in humid outdoor conditions and makeshift rings. “This tires athletes before they reach their peak. A controlled environment like the boxing academy in Gopalapuram will help boxers realise their true potential and endurance, providing a solid baseline for improvement,” he said.

Olympian V Devarajan, who was present at the inauguration, said that he had been advocating for a boxing academy in Chennai for the past 25 years. “It is a welcome move. But the arena needs pictures of boxers from Tamil Nadu. So younger generations can understand the state’s boxing history,” he added.