International technical official for International Boxing Association
It’s truly admirable and equally noteworthy how Saligao-based Danuska Da Gama wears so many
hats. She’s a lecturer, journalist, executive member Goa Amateur Boxing Association (GABA) and joint secretary of the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) and slays in all like a boss.
Recently, Da Gama became the first Indian female International Boxing As- sociation (IBA) international technical official (ITO), after passing the inter- national technical official exam held in Bangkok, Thailand. There were 24 can- didates from all over the world at the exams, out of which only six cleared, Da Gama being one of them.
The former GABA secretary and its current treasurer can now be nom- inated for IBA international boxing tournaments and world championships as an international technical official. Da Gama says, “I am happy to be the first woman in India and fifth ITO in India. There should be more women coming forward. But the responsibility is huge, and at the same time, even though I will be representing India, it is my duty to ensure free and fair play, and not be partial to my country or boxer.”
With this achievement, she hopes the Goa Amateur Boxing Association and Goa government will be able to use her technical skills. She adds, “I am more than willing to work for sports and offer my expertise and knowledge at any time. With the National Games coming up, I hope I can offer my services and be of help to make them a successful one,” says Da Gama, who has previously worked at Commonwealth Games 2010 New Delhi, Lusofonia Games 2014 Goa and has organised several boxing championships over the years.
However, her journey wasn’t easy as there are several qualified NTO (na- tional technical officials) working in the country. It was due to her dedication that she was nominated by the Boxing Federation of India to attend the course and give the examination. For her, it was a bigger task to clear the exam, as her father Lenny D’Gama is a reputed ITO from India who currently serves as a member of the IBA Referee & Judges Commission.
