GUWAHATI: Local favourite and fast-rising Ankushita Boro (64kg) is part of a 10-strong Indian boxing squad announced today for the AIBA Youth Women's World Championship, starting here on November 19.
Six pugilists from Haryana -- Neetu (48kg, Jyoti (51kg), Sakshi (54kg), Shashi Chopra (57kg), Anupama (81kg) and Neha Yadav (81kg +) -- make up the squad.
Mizoram's Vanlalhriapuii (60kg), Uttar Pradesh's Astha Pahwa (69kg), Andhra Pradesh's Niharika Gonella (75kg) and Boro are the rest of the team members after extensive training and a number of exposure trips.
"This is a fine lineup. Each of them is in tremendous shape and we are confident that they will bring in a number of medals," India's coach Raffaele Bergamasco said.
All eyes will be on Boro, who is fresh from winning silver medals at the Balkan Youth International Boxing Championship in Bulgaria and the Ahmet Comert Championship in Istanbul.
"I feel this is a huge opportunity for all of us as the World Championship is being conducted in India and will give us an upper hand when we fight our opponents in front of our home crowd," she said.
"Personally, I will feel no pressure facing anyone as I believe in my capabilities and will look to punch my way through to the finals of the tournament," the local star said.
The squad has been practicing in Guwahati along with the other international teams, which have also arrived to adjust to the conditions.