The Genesis of GS Boxing Club

Founded by U. Govindaraj in 2017, the GS Boxing Club is not just a training school but a veritable sanctuary for youth who yearn to make it big in the boxing world. Sprung from humble beginnings, today the institution shines as a testimony to resilience, discipline and hope. An economics graduate, Govindaraj was encouraged by his father to establish the club. “My father was a boxer, and that had a great impact on my life. I wanted to pass on the same spirit and discipline to the younger generation,” he says. What began as a small initiative to teach boxing to local boys and girls has now grown into a full-fledged academy. Govindaraj places great emphasis on developing not only a child’s boxing skills but also their character to ensure they become law-abiding and responsible citizens.

Early morning stretches at the Club.

Training at GS Boxing Club

The club operates out of a Corporation Gym at Cox Colony, Chintadripet, and conducts training inside May Day Park. Students are charged a small fee of Rs. 750, but it is often waived for those who cannot afford it – GS Boxing Club ensures that a child’s natural talent is not limited by economic considerations. Training sessions take place twice a day in the mornings and evenings. The club already has over 35 students ranging in age from 7 to 22 years.

Founder and coach of GS Boxing Club – U. Govindaraj.

At the heart of the institution are the ethics of effort and discipline. The training regimen includes physical conditioning from running exercises to body-weight training as well as boxing drills and sparring sessions. These prepare the students for competition. “It’s not just brute strength; there’s strategy, endurance, and mental toughness. We prepare these kids for life beyond fighting,” says Govindaraj. It’s true – beyond boxing techniques, the training sessions help children pick up key life skills like patience, focus, and resilience. Govindraj explains that the club also emphasises the importance of discipline, as any misuse of their boxing skills outside the ring can spell serious consequences.

Championing success

The GS Boxing Club has produced some brilliant fighters. C. Yuveshwaran won the Bronze medal in the National Junior Boys’ Boxing Championship held at Sonepat, Haryana, in 2021. E. Sivasankar represented Tamil Nadu in the All India University Boxing Championships four times in the years 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2022. GS Boxing Club also has the credit of nurturing the prodigious talents of S.M. Durga Sri, who went on to bag the Gold at the National Junior Girls Boxing Championships in 2022. Her win was a landmark achievement for the State – she created history by becoming the first-ever medal winner in that category from Tamil Nadu and also brought the gold back to TN after 21 long years. Durga Sri’s success is nothing short of inspiring – she has proved that if you are determined to achieve a goal, one can certainly do so if supported by good training and a firm will.

The accolades show its commitment to boxing.

The GS Boxing Club continues to participate in District, State, and National competitions. The awards and accolades testify to the commitment and discipline shown by the students of the institution, and serve to inspire the juniors to aim for perfection.

S.M. Durga Sri who won gold at the National Junior Girls Boxing Championships in 2022.

Challenges

Despite its remarkable achievements, the GS Boxing Club is in no small trouble. With sponsorship remaining a great hurdle, it must deal with an unclear state of funding. Infrastructure and equipment remain a challenge. “We do not have the best facilities, but we make do with what we have. More than anything, it is our students’ determination that keeps us going,” says Govindaraj.

Confined space is another limitation. The club works from a rented location, which means that it cannot possibly admit too many students. Govindaraj wishes to obtain for himself a permanent space with better facilities so that he can expand training sessions. “If we have our own space, we can train more students and give them better opportunities. That is my vision, my dream,” he says.

4 kids participated and won 2 gold at the State Sub-Junior Boxing Championship 2022 held at Pudukottai, Tamil Nadu.

A Vision for the Future

Govindaraj looks toward a future where GS Boxing Club stands tall as the best boxing academy in India with world-class athletes. Within the next five years, he wants to lead the training of at least 100-150 students, comprising both male and female athletes. Depending on the willingness of corporates to provide financial support, he aims to offer scholarships for aspiring boxers while upgrading their training programs as well as equipment. “I want to see our students competing at the international level. They have the potential, they’re just needing the right support,” he affirms.

E. Loshan who was selected to represent TN in the Khelo India Youth Games 2023.

The club is also keen on increasing female participation in boxing. With women now being represented in boxing in international arenas, GS Boxing Club wants to draw in more girls to the sport to break the glass ceiling. “Boxing is not just for boys. We want more girls to come forward and show their strength. Durga Sri has proved that they can succeed too,” he exclaims.

Beyond the Ring: Boxing as a Lifeline

For many students of the club, Boxing is not merely a game but a means of survival. Most hail from severely constrained economic backgrounds and see boxing as a future to build on. “Some of our kids have come from very difficult situations. Boxing gives them hope and purpose,” Govindaraj says. The discipline and work ethic taught within the club go far beyond the ring and trickle into studies and schooling. Parents and the surrounding community have acknowledged the club’s influence and see it as a reputable institution that helps keep the kids away from negative influences.

Students of the club practicing.

Sources:
Govindaraj – Founder and coach of GS Boxing Club.
GS boxing club website.

Article by Geethanjali Rajakkannu. Pictures and captions by Thamayandhi R.