Members of the National Amateur Boxing Team, the Black Bombers have bemoaned the lack of support from the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports (MoESS) and the National Sports Council (NSC) during its preparations for international competitions. This, according to the boxers, makes them feel neglected by the authorities and as a result affects their output at international competitions. Bastir Samir, captain of the Black Bombers made the complaint on Friday when the team presented medals they won at the just ended African Boxing Confederation (ABC) Zone III Championships in Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire to Prince Ernest Oduro-Mensah, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NSC in Accra on Friday. Ghana won seven medals made up of two gold, two silver and three bronze at the event to place second behind Nigeria. Samir recounted the difficulties they had to go through with regards to issues of allowances and transportation in the build up to the Zonal Championships. “Sometimes, it’s even hard to get water to drink after a hard day’s training and this easily kills our morale in camp.” Samir explained that most amateur boxers jump into the professional ranks due to some of the problems they encounter at the amateur divisions. He gave the assurance that most of the boxers will be ready to stay in the amateur division and win laurels for the nation if their needs are met. Captain Samir also called for longer camping periods ahead of championship events for the team, adding that it will go a long way in helping them to build their fitness level to improve upon their performance. “Though there was no camping for the team before we left for Cote D’Ivoire, we managed to win medals but I believe we would have done better if the authorities had organized some form of camping for us”. The captain of the Black Bombers called on the authorities to arrange regular training tours for the team to expose them to the international scene, adding that training locally is not enough to achieve any meaningful success. “At international competitions, you meet experienced and competent opponents who expose your mistakes and get you well prepared for the challenges ahead”. Prince Ernest Oduro-Mensah, the CEO of the NSC congratulated the boxers for their efforts and assured them of his outfit’s support in future championships. He urged them to train harder to win more laurels for the nation at the African Boxing Championships scheduled for Madagascar from May 13-24. Source: GNA