It was a memorable debut for Umrah Sayed, 12, of St Mathew's School (Malad) as she emerged champion in the girls' 14-15 years and 42-45 kgs category. The athletically-build Umrah, competing for the first time, scored a close victory, winning on points against Keen Gala of HVB Academy (Marine Lines) in the Mumbai Schools Sports Association-organised inter-school boxing championship at Azad Maidan yesterday.

"I only started boxing six months back and it feels great to become a champion in the first competition. It was quite a tough fight especially in the third round. I did well in the first two rounds, but was a bit tired in the final round," Umrah told mid-day yesterday.