Now Reading: Hyderabad shopkeeper gives free boxing lessons to 100 children
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Hyderabad shopkeeper gives free boxing lessons to 100 children
Every evening, 32-year-old Junaid Moiuddin closes his clothing store in Hyderabad's Mallepally and turns a football ground into an open-air boxing arena. He trains children, including girls as young as five, until…
The Story in Brief
Every evening, 32-year-old Junaid Moiuddin closes his clothing store in Hyderabad's Mallepally and turns a football ground into an open-air boxing arena. He trains children, including girls as young as five, until late. What started a year ago with his nieces has grown into a programme that has seen over 100 children.
Junaid, who had to give up boxing after a shoulder dislocation, charges no fixed fee. When parents contribute, he uses the money to buy equipment for children who cannot afford it. The Times of India reports that his students include 12-year-old Ali, whose family could not afford classes, and 10-year-old Afifa Fatima, who trains regularly despite initial struggles.
The Indian Opinion
Stories like Junaid Moiuddin's are heartening but risk creating a narrative that individual grit alone can fill gaps left by the state. Hyderabad has no shortage of public sports infrastructure, but access remains unequal. Junaid's effort is admirable, yet one man's evening sessions cannot substitute for a systematic approach to grassroots sports. The real test will be whether any of his trainees get a chance to compete at district or national level with official support. Until then, it remains a neighbourhood kindness, not a solution.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
