Boxing girls confident of landing it right

Sometime in March, there was a major announcement, saying that India would be hosting the Women’s Youth World Boxing Championship in November.
Accroding to coach Bhaskar Chandra Bhatt, all team members are contenders
Accroding to coach Bhaskar Chandra Bhatt, all team members are contenders

CHENNAI: Sometime in March, there was a major announcement, saying that India would be hosting the Women’s Youth World Boxing Championship in November. It was a significant development, as it meant the country would witness international boxers after seven years, after the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games.

It is a reality now, with the event set to start in Guwahati on Sunday. Hopefuls from as many as 38 countries will showcase their potential and hope to appeal to the masses. For India, hopes will rest on 10 school-goers looking to follow in the footsteps of MC Mary Kom, who is the ambassador of the event.
Having trained hard since May, the girls are eager to unleash what they have picked up during this period. Chief coach Bhaskar Chandra Bhatt seemed a confident person.

“Since day one of training, progress has been smooth. The federation and SAI have guided us in every step, ensuring that all our requirements are met. The exposure tours were crucial as we got the opportunity to test all the boxers in the pool and rank them according to their strengths and weaknesses,” Bhatt told Express.

The team reached Guwahati well in advance to ensure that they get used to conditions. “It’s been just over two weeks since we landed here. We came in early to get acclimatised to conditions.” The 10 boxers may be unknown faces to many, but they have a world of potential according to the coach. “All of them are a force to reckon with. They have stunned proven boxers to bag medals in recent international outings,” the 52-year-old assessed.

One among them is Sakshi, in 54 kg, who is a junior world champion (2015). She is determined to emulate that feat. “I just want to give my 100 per cent. I shall give it all,” the 17-year-old declared.
Sakshi’s do-or-die attitude comes as no surprise after Bhatt pointed out that the youngsters have shown maturity beyond age. “They are fully focussed and aware that they won’t get a better chance to win something big.

“They are also grateful that they have received so much support from the BFI, government and their families. So they have that sense of responsibility in them and they want to repay everyone’s faith by winning a medal. When they have that kind of hunger and discipline, they are unlikely to be distracted or bogged down by pressure.”

Talk about discipline and hunger, Mary Kom is one pugilist who put India on the world map with those qualities. It was watching Mary that prompted Sashi Chopra (57 kg) to take up the sport.

“I first watched the sport during the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi. That’s when I saw women also being involved and tasting success. Following that I watched Mary Kom in 2012. That was when I picked up the sport for the first time. I’m really excited and I hope to make the country proud.”

anmol@newindianexpress.com

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