Big dreams, small beginnings!

June 18, 2025

Gloves of Hope: How a Makeshift Boxing Ring in Farrukhnagar Is Changing Lives

In a quiet corner of Farrukhnagar, a small town on the edge of Haryana, something remarkable is happening—not in a fancy gym or a state-of-the-art sports complex, but in a makeshift boxing ring held together by ropes, hope, and determination.

Here, under the open sky, a group of children—most of them from underprivileged backgrounds—lace up second-hand gloves, stretch on dusty mats, and get ready to train. There’s no AC, no high-end gear, but there’s something far more powerful: belief. Belief that with the right push, they can rise above their circumstances. Belief that even in the most forgotten places, dreams can be born.

At the heart of this transformation is the Swavalamban Avam Swabhimaan Foundation (SAS Foundation)—an organization that doesn’t just talk about change but makes it happen, one child, one punch, one round at a time.

A Ring Born Out of Nothing

A few months ago, this spot was just another open ground in Farrukhnagar—used for cricket, hanging out, or simply collecting dust. That changed when some local kids, passionate about boxing but without resources, began practicing with whatever they could find—torn gloves, old tires, even wooden sticks to mimic punching bags.

When the SAS Foundation learned about this informal setup, they saw more than just kids playing a sport. They saw grit, raw potential, and a chance to bring something meaningful to the community.

Instead of building something expensive, they did what they do best—they worked with what was available. Ropes were tied, a basic ring was set up, and some second-hand gear was sourced. Coaches were brought in—some volunteers, some local athletes. Slowly but surely, a boxing academy began to take shape.

It wasn’t glamorous. But it was real. And for the kids who had never stepped inside a structured sports space, it felt like stepping into a world full of possibility.

More Than Just Punches

If you visit the academy today, you’ll hear laughter, see sweat-drenched determination, and feel a quiet sense of discipline in the air. Training sessions begin with warm-ups—skipping ropes, stretches, footwork drills—before the kids put on gloves and step into the ring.

But it’s not just about jabs and hooks.

“Boxing is just the beginning,” says one of the volunteer coaches. “We’re teaching them focus, discipline, respect—for themselves and for others. That’s what they carry home.”

And it shows.

Kids who were once wandering aimlessly after school now rush to training. Young boys who were prone to fights now settle disputes with words, not fists. Girls who were too shy to speak up now step into the ring with their heads held high.

Meet the Fighters

Take Rohit, for example. At 13, he had already seen more struggle than most. His father works long hours as a laborer, and Rohit used to spend his afternoons loitering around, picking fights out of boredom. Now, he talks about footwork, stamina, and the importance of hydration.

Then there’s Simran, a 12-year-old who never imagined she’d be allowed to play a sport—let alone boxing. Her first few weeks at the academy were filled with hesitation. But with encouragement from her coaches and teammates, she not only stayed—she now dreams of becoming a national-level boxer. “I feel strong when I wear these gloves,” she says, her smile fierce and full of pride.

These stories aren’t exceptions. They’re becoming the new normal—one child, one session at a time.

More Than an Academy

What makes this initiative special is that it doesn’t stop at sports. The SAS Foundation has woven in lessons about health, hygiene, nutrition, and mental well-being into the program.

Simple but important things—like washing hands, eating the right food after training, staying away from harmful substances—are taught side by side with boxing moves. On weekends, doctors from nearby towns come in for health check-ups. Counsellors talk to the kids about stress, focus, and the importance of balancing school and sports.

In short, the academy isn’t just building better athletes—it’s building healthier, stronger individuals.

The Power of Community

None of this would be possible without the support of the community. Parents, who once doubted the purpose of the boxing academy, now bring their kids proudly every evening. Local shopkeepers donate water bottles. A tailor nearby fixes gloves and uniforms. Even the kids themselves pitch in—cleaning up the training area, encouraging one another, and treating the academy as their own.

It’s this spirit—ownership, belonging, and pride—that makes this initiative truly powerful.

Of course, there are challenges. The ground floods during heavy rains. Equipment is still limited. Funds are stretched thin. But every obstacle is met with innovation and collective will.

Looking Ahead: Bigger Dreams, Stronger Voices

The SAS Foundation is now working to turn this temporary setup into a permanent training center. The goal is to give these kids:

A proper shelter to train in all weather
Regular access to good nutrition and fitness support
Educational mentoring and scholarships
Opportunities to compete in state and national tournaments

The dream isn’t just to create champions in the ring—but champions in life.

And slowly, it’s happening.

Why This Matters

In today’s world, where screens often replace real connection, where opportunities are unevenly distributed, and where so many children grow up believing their dreams are too big for their zip code—this boxing ring in Farrukhnagar tells a different story.

It says: You matter. Your strength matters. Your dreams are valid.

By supporting something as simple as a makeshift boxing ring, the SAS Foundation is proving that impact doesn’t need luxury—just vision, care, and commitment.