Boxers to test for HIV, Hepatitis B
Feb 04, 2007
UGANDA’S first HIV tests in amateur boxing will be conducted at next week’s National Open boxing championship.
By Samson Opus and James Bakama
UGANDA’S first HIV tests in amateur boxing will be conducted at next week’s National Open boxing championship.
Uganda Amateur Boxing Federation vice president Dr. Ntege Ssengendo revealed the mandatory HIV and doping tests for boxers on Saturday.
Ntege announced the requirement at a pre-tournament briefing at Lugogo.
Ntege, also head of Uganda Olympic Committee’s (UOC) anti doping commission, said the requirement is aimed at protecting boxers in the contact sport.
“This test will not stop in the Open alone. We intend to carry one during the course of any tournament,†Ntege, also an Africa Doping Commission member, revealed at Lugogo.
The pugilists will also be tested for Hepatitis B as well as doping tests in measures aimed at making the competition the best local sports event.
The February 10-18 tournament due at Lugogo is the biggest local boxing event.
UABF president Roger Ddungu said the test was a fulfillment of his promise to enforce hygiene in boxing.
“There is no cause for alarm. This is meant to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS in boxing,†Ddungu counseled.
Ddungu also unveiled the top prize of a motorbike for the winning team in the tournament.
A cash prize of sh0.2m and 0.1m will be at stake for gold and silver medal winners respectively.
UGANDA’S first HIV tests in amateur boxing will be conducted at next week’s National Open boxing championship.
Uganda Amateur Boxing Federation vice president Dr. Ntege Ssengendo revealed the mandatory HIV and doping tests for boxers on Saturday.
Ntege announced the requirement at a pre-tournament briefing at Lugogo.
Ntege, also head of Uganda Olympic Committee’s (UOC) anti doping commission, said the requirement is aimed at protecting boxers in the contact sport.
“This test will not stop in the Open alone. We intend to carry one during the course of any tournament,†Ntege, also an Africa Doping Commission member, revealed at Lugogo.
The pugilists will also be tested for Hepatitis B as well as doping tests in measures aimed at making the competition the best local sports event.
The February 10-18 tournament due at Lugogo is the biggest local boxing event.
UABF president Roger Ddungu said the test was a fulfillment of his promise to enforce hygiene in boxing.
“There is no cause for alarm. This is meant to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS in boxing,†Ddungu counseled.
Ddungu also unveiled the top prize of a motorbike for the winning team in the tournament.
A cash prize of sh0.2m and 0.1m will be at stake for gold and silver medal winners respectively.