Shaikh Yunus/Hydrabad

As the sun sets in Hyderabad, 33-year-old boxer Junaid Mohiuddin pulls down the shutter of his clothing shop and heads straight to Mallepally Ground. Dozens of boys and girls wait for him there. He dons the mantle of a boxing coach for the next two hours. His purpose is to bring children out of the world of mobile phones, games and reels.

A shoulder injury affected his own boxing career. After that, he decided to prepare the next generation of boxers. What began at home eventually grew into the Junaid Boxing Club.

At the club, boys and girls of all social backgrounds and religions are trained in boxing. He teaches them the uses of physical exercise, healthy living and good values. Junaid dreams of seeing young children who are training with him at the Mallepally Ground represent India at international competitions.

Boxer Junaid Mohiuddin 

Junaid Mohiuddin developed an interest in boxing during his childhood. He trained in boxing from an early age and dreamed of bringing honour to his state and country. However, fate had other plans. A shoulder injury forced him to leave competitive boxing. His passion for the sport, however, never diminished.

The shoulder injury did not break Junaid's spirit. Instead, he resolved to ensure that he used his training to produce boxers who could fulfil his dream of representing India in the global competitions. He decided to seek out the younger generation to prepare boxers of international level.

He began providing boxing training at his home and eventually established the Junaid Boxing Club.

Boxer Junaid Mohiuddin with his students

When Junaid Mohiuddin noticed that children were becoming addicted to mobile phones and spent their time playing games and watching reels on social media, which affected their health, he decided to train them in boxing. He started the initiative from his own home and began training his nieces at Mallepally Ground.

Gradually, more boys and also girls began joining him for training. Junaid provides boxing training without discrimination based on religion or community. Many of the trainees are very young, with some girls being around 5 years old. Yet their enthusiasm and passion for boxing make it clear that the sport has become an important part of their lives.

Boxer Junaid Mohiuddin with his students

Junaid Mohiuddin says that although he could not represent the country in boxing himself, he wants to ensure that his students win tournaments and bring recognition to the state, country and eventually at the international level.

Junaid is moving ahead with his mission to make young men and women wear boxing gloves instead of holding mobile phones. Going by the number of students who show up at his academy every day, he has achieved considerable success.

Fruitful Results

Junaid Mohiuddin's hard work and missionary zeal have made the Junaid Boxing Club a well-known sports coaching club. The young athletes here regularly surprise people with their abilities. The younger girls in particular have developed impressive levels of fitness. They can carry weights heavier than their own body weight while running on the field.

Boxer Junaid Mohiuddin with his student

The boys and girls have also developed considerable proficiency in defensive boxing techniques. Junaid not only trains children in boxing but also makes them exercise to remain fit and healthy. He also pays special attention to their moral development.

The children at the Junaid Boxing Club have developed a strong passion for boxing. As a result, they are improving their skills day by day and demonstrating their abilities on different platforms.

The Mohiuddin family also has a strong sporting spirit. Junaid's brother Javed Mohiuddin is a cricketer while another brother Jameel Mohiuddin is a volleyball player.

Health is Priceless

Speaking to Awaz-The Voice, Junaid Mohiuddin said that a healthy society is the foundation of progress. He said that children and young people today are increasingly becoming addicted to mobile phones. Playing games and watching reels on mobile phones has become a popular pastime which can affect children's health and eyesight.

Boxer Junaid Mohiuddin with his student

Junaid Mohiuddin said he wants children to have boxing gloves in their hands instead of mobile phones. He said that if today's children remain healthy, they will become valuable assets for the country tomorrow.

He said health is a priceless blessing. Even if a person has immense wealth, it is of little value without good health. Health is a precious gift from nature and maintaining it should be given the highest priority.

Junaid Mohiuddin said that new diseases are emerging in society and there is a need for the younger generation, particularly girls, to focus on sports alongside education. In today's challenging times, he said, it is essential to provide girls with self-defence training.

He said that by participating in sporting activities, students can progress in life. He expressed confidence that the day is not far when children from his club will compete at the international level and bring recognition to the state and the country.

Boxer Junaid Mohiuddin with his student

Encouraging Athletes is Essential

Junaid Mohiuddin said government support is also essential for encouraging athletes. There is no fixed fee for training at the Junaid Boxing Club. Whatever amount the parents contribute is used to purchase boxing equipment.

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Junaid Mohiuddin said athletes need encouragement and proper facilities so that India can produce world-class athletes. He believes that providing young players with the right support and opportunities can help them develop their talent and compete at the highest level.