Boxing Canada selected the athletes based on their excellent results following the national Youth Talent ID Camp which was held in Montreal, QC from May 18-21, 2023.
Learn more about Karan here!
Karan Sembhi
“Overall, boxing has become a lifestyle for me, and my boxing club became a second family where I experience a sense of friendship, motivation, and belonging that provides a nurturing atmosphere for my personal development.”
Why did you first start boxing? Tell us about your progression in the sport.
I started my boxing career when I was 12 years old. Initially, my goal was mainly to improve my fitness and health, as boxing is a rigorous and intense sport. It provides a full-body workout while building strength and enhancing cardiovascular endurance. In addition, this sport increases discipline, focus, and mental toughness, which would help me overcome challenges and setbacks. Soon after beginning my training, I developed a passion for boxing and began participating in regional competitions hosted by other boxing clubs and Boxing Ontario. This stoked my need to succeed and earn recognition, which brought forth my fierce competitiveness. I’ve participated in plenty of competitions throughout the years and have won many of them. Overall, boxing has become a lifestyle for me, and my boxing club became a second family where I experience a sense of friendship, motivation, and belonging that provides a nurturing atmosphere for my personal development.
What has your biggest challenge been as a competitive boxer?
My biggest challenge as a competitive boxer has been managing my boxing career with other responsibilities such as education. Often, I have conflicting schedules with important classes and training sessions/competitions. Most of the time I can negotiate with my teachers to create a flexible schedule that accommodates both my boxing commitments and other responsibilities. However, sometimes it becomes difficult when there are exam dates. Due to this, sometimes it can have negative impacts on my academic performance. However, recently I have found a balance that allows me to excel in both areas and maintain a high academic performance.
What has your biggest achievement been as a competitive boxer?
The honour of being chosen to represent Team Canada and compete in the renowned Continental Championships has been the pinnacle of my boxing career and my most noteworthy accomplishment. It has taken a lot of perseverance, effort, and determination to get to this point. I was able to secure a spot on Team Canada through vigorous training, long hours spent in the gym, and unwavering dedication. In addition to showcasing my abilities, competing in the Championships will put my resiliency and mental toughness to the test. It has been humbling and inspiring to compete against imposing opponents from around the world and to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the best fighters.
What are your future goals in the sport of boxing?
My future goal in boxing is to participate in and represent Team Canada at the Olympic Games. Boxing is one of the core sports in the Olympics, and earning a spot on the National Team and competing at the highest level of amateur boxing is a major achievement. Representing my country at the Olympics is a matter of immense pride and honour as it signifies that I have the reached pinnacle of my sport. Attending the Olympics will be a life-changing experience as I will be able to show my dedication, hard work, and talent while inspiring a future generation of boxers.
How did you feel when you found out that you were selected to represent Canada at the Continental Championships in Colombia?
I had a rush of emotions course through me when I found out I was selected to represent Canada at the Continental Championships in Colombia. I felt very ecstatic and got filled with a deep sense of honour as it was a validation of my skills and hard work. I was also extremely grateful for the support I received from my coaches, boxing community, and family because this not only shows my hard work but also theirs and the sacrifices they have made for me. Receiving this news fueled my determination to train harder and make everyone proud who put their time and effort into me as well as make my country proud.
Where can people find out more about you and support your journey?
People can find me through my personal Instagram: @therealkaransembhi. People can also come to the King of the Ring boxing club where I train daily.
Boxing club: King of the Ring
Coach(es) name(s): Ajaz Khan, Daniel Khan, Zishan Khan, Cris Carcamo, and Mansimranjot Sembhi
Boxing career highlights: Member of Team Canada, 3x Brampton Cup Champion, 2x Provincial Champion
Hometown: Brampton
Favourite food: Red kidney beans with rice
Favourite music: Phonk Music
Favourite movie: Batman (2022)
Favourite boxer: Manny Pacquiao
Hobbies: Boxing, playing piano, playing badminton, chess, and 3D modelling
Future goals: Participating in the Olympic Games for Boxing
