It is not only a sport but also a way to instil life skills. Boxing teaches discipline, resilience, and focus — traits that help young people navigate challenges both inside and outside the ring. A powerful movement slowly taking shape as Sura Krishna Chakma, an acclaimed, national-level boxer, has turned his passion into a platform for change.
Determined to give back to his community, Sura founded a club to engage youth through boxing and Wushu, teaching them valuable life skills that extend beyond the ring. By opening doors to physical fitness, self-confidence, and teamwork, he is empowering the next generation to fight not just in the sport but for their future.
"Initially, I formed a group with people who were passionate enough to learn boxing," Sura shares. "Now it is known as the Rangamati W.B. (WUSHU.BOXING) CLUB."
The club started right after the pandemic when Sura began training enthusiasts at the Rangamati Mari Stadium, and sometimes outdoors. What started as a small initiative has now grown into a structured programme. With his busy travel schedule, Sura has entrusted the club's day-to-day management to one of his students, Sudipto.
"They have rented a space on the roof of a gym called Tubo Fitness Gym," Sura explains. "To pay the rent, we require a small fee from the people who come to learn boxing."
The W.B. CLUB prides itself on being inclusive.
"We have students from different backgrounds – trainees from BKSP as well. It is a unisex initiative, with no hard and fast rules about who can join. We welcome everyone," Sura says.
This openness has brought together a diverse group of participants, creating a sense of unity and shared purpose. The club's impact extends beyond physical fitness, offering a healthy way to bond and build community.
Sura's vision goes beyond producing professional athletes.
"I had taken the initiative to engage the youth," he says. "I noticed many young people in my hill were getting involved in bad habits, and boxing wasn't very popular. I always feel sports teach you how to be disciplined. It is not necessary to be a player – you can use sports as a lifestyle as well."
The club operates on a peer-learning model. "I am teaching some students, and after learning the basics, they are teaching others as well," Sura explains. This approach not only ensures the sustainability of the initiative but also fosters a sense of leadership among the trainees.
"It is a healthy way to bond and meet people, and I feel that this community will grow with time," he adds.
Although currently based in Rangamati, Sura has bigger plans. "As I am from Rangamati, I am running this initiative here. However, I do hope people from the surrounding areas, such as Bandarban and Khagrachari, join in," he says.
The club's potential to expand is matched by Sura's determination. His goal is not only to strengthen the youth in the Hill Tracts but also to make boxing a popular and accessible sport in the region.
Sura Krishna Chakma's efforts are a reminder that meaningful change can begin with one person's determination to make a difference. As he trains the next generation of boxers, the sound of gloves hitting pads resonates with the promise of a better tomorrow.
Photo: Courtesy
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