CHENNAI: Chief Minister MK Stalin on Tuesday the Kalaignar Centenary Boxing Academy developed by the state sports department at Gopalapuram in the city at a cost of Rs 8 crore.

The centenary academy consists of a fully AC stadium capable of seating 890 people, a training ring, gymnasium, trainer room, practising facilities, physio room and an administrative building.

The CM also witnessed a bout held in the 48-51 kg flyweight category and distributed the trophies to the women boxers. Announced in the budget of 2022-23 of the state sports department, the project has been completed in a record time of a little over 15 months since Stalin laid the foundation stone on November 2, 2023.

The project was conceived to popularise the sport again in Chennai, which has an illustrious history of traditionally producing great boxers who flourished during the colonial and post-independence era. A release issued by the State government said that the project was announced to renew the passion for boxing in the capital and produce fighters capable of competing at the international level.

Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin who also holds the sports portfolio, HR&CE Minister PK Sekar Babu, Mayor R Priya, Central Chennai MP Dayanidhi Maran and MLAs Ezhilan Naganathan and Vetriazhagan were among those who took part in the event.