KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 17

President of International Boxing Association (AIBA) Umar Nazarovich Kremlev arrived here today in a oneday visit.

Nepal Boxing Association President Ram Awale and other officials welcomed the eight-member AIBA team led by Kremlev at the Tribhuvan International Airport this morning. Kremlev and his team met with President Bidhya Devi Bhandari, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and Minister for Youth and Sports Maheshwor Gahatraj, informed NBA Member and Spokesperson Shyam Awale.

Kremlev, who was invited by the NBA and Nepal Olympic Committee, said he was keen to help Nepali boxing. “I will assess the situation of Nepali boxing in this visit and we will decide about the nature of the support later,” said the Russian sports functionary, philanthropist and benefactor.

“We definitely want to see Nepali boxing grow. I believe Nepali players are strong and we hope to take Nepali boxing to the height of Mt Everest,” added Kremlev, who handed over boxing gears to NBA and also pledged financial support.

NBA President Ram Awale termed Kremlev’s as historic.

“It’s a matter of pride for our boxing fraternity that AIBA President Kremlev visited us,” said Awale. “After his visit, it will be easier for the AIBA to know about the situation of Nepali boxing,” he added.

Kremlev and his team will leave for the United Arab Emirates on Thursday.

A version of this article appears in the print on November 18, 2021, of The Himalayan Times.