By Dennis Osei Gyamfi, GNA
Accra, March 25, GNA – Chiringa Platoon for the first time since 2017 emerged the overall champions of the 2019 Ghana Military Academy (GMA) Inter-platoon Novices Boxing competition for Regular Career Course(RCC) 59.
The three day event, which came off at the Addico Square Mats at the Academy center saw a Chiringa Platoon, amass a joint total of 28 points with Abyssinia Platoon from ten victories and eight losses in 18 bouts.
The Abyssina Platoon, even though were on the same points with the champions placed second, while the Burma Platoon came third with 25 points from seven wins and 11 defeats.
Officer Cadet Mensah A of Chiringa Platoon, was adjudged the best male boxer, whilst Naval Cadet Faidoo Maf of Chiringa Platoon won the best female boxer.
Officer Cadet Attiemo K of the Burma, was however given an award as the best loser.
A trophy was presented to eventual winners of the competition.
The competition conducted under the International Amateur Boxing Association (IABA) rules with three rounds for each bout, saw a large and enthusiastic spectators who were entertained by the boxers.
Brigadier General Abraham Yeboah Nsiah, General Officer Commanding Southern Command, who was the special guest congratulated the boxers for displaying mental fortitude, courage, determination and self discipline.
He said Novices boxing was an important event on the training calendar for the Officer Cadet training of the GMA and thanked the organisers for putting up a good show.
Brigadier General Nsiah said the competition was to train the potential office for combat and to develop their fighting spirit as well as self confidence.
He said the exercise gives the cadet the opportunity to learn to stand his grounds in the face of aggression, to carry on when tired or hurt and to keep his head-up when circumstances threaten to overwhelm him.
« The overall objectives of this event are confidence building and developing the mental robustness through healthy competition. The purpose of this is not to produce accomplish boxers, but to train you to overcome fear and pain in the face of adversity » he said.
« It is not intended to equip you with skills to visit brutality on innocent civilians rather you are enjoined to use such skills to protect the vulnerable and for self defence when necessary. The Ghana Military Academy is a guardian of values that has shaped officers over the years who have in turn contributed in shaping the history of our country. »
He urged the officer cadets to be guided by dedication and commitment to their duties as the GMA’s motto states; « Service, Devotion and Sacrifice. »