LAHORE: Women boxers will be vying for the top honours for the first time in the history of the National Boxing Championships when its 36th edition begins at the Wapda Sports Board Complex here from Saturday.

Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) president Khalid Mahmood told Dawn on Thursday that all four provinces had confirmed they will be sending women teams to the event but they were still waiting for departmental teams to confirm the women pugilists.

`A number of women boxers will be able to show their skill and talent,` Khalid, also the secretary of the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA), said. `The provinces have confirmed 24 women competitors and once the departments finalise their entries, that figure would rise.

`This will hopefully be the turning point for women`s boxing in the country,` he added. `The event will provide them with the platform to go further and represent the country at international level and with better coaching and facilities win medals.

With 15 teams set to compete, men`s competitions will be held in 10 weight categories: 46kg, 52 kg, 56 kg, 60 kg, 64 kg, 69 kg, 75 kg, 81 kg, 91 kg and +91 kg. The women, meanwhile, will compete in three weight categories: 51kg,60kg and75kg.

Khalid informed that POA president retired Lt Gen Arif Hasan would inaugurate the championships while Wapda chairman retired Lt Gen Muzammil Hussain will be at the closing ceremony on Jan 24. The managers` meeting for entry weights and draws will be held on Friday.-Sports Reporter