The next generation of Indian women boxers will try to make their mark along with the best up-and-coming talent from well-known boxing nations in the World youth women boxing championship, starting at the Nabin Chandra Bordoloi Indoor Stadium, Sarusajai, here on Sunday.
With about two years to go for the 2020 Olympics, the World youth event, which is all set to witness the participation of around 200 boxers from all over the globe, will give an idea about who may make the headlines in Tokyo.
Following a well-planned training programme and a few successful exposure trips, the host has fielded a 10-member squad, comprising 2015 World junior champion Sakshi Chaudhary (54kg.) and silver medallist Niharika Gonella (75kg.), and hopes to collect a good number of medals.
Neetu (48kg.), Jyoti (51kg.), Shashi Chopra (57kg.), local girl Anukshita Boro (64kg.), Astha Pahwa (69kg.), Anupama (81kg.) and Neha Yadav (+81kg.) have tasted success in various international events abroad and know what to expect.
National youth champion Vanlalhriatpuii (60kg.) has impressed the coaching staff with her skills and has done well in the exposure tours.
Foreign coach Bergemasco Raffaele is highly confident of the Indian girls' potential. “Each of them is in tremendous shape and we are confident that they will bring in a number of medals,” he said.
The Indians should shine in the lower weights, where speed and movement will hold the key to success.
Among the overseas boxers, World junior title winner Heaven Garcia (51kg.) of the USA, European champion Chelsey Heijnen (51kg.) of the Netherlands, Commonwealth Youth title holder Ella Boot (60kg.) of Australia, World junior champion Yu Lisai (60kg.) of China, World junior silver medallist Karolina Makhno (75kg) of Ukraine and World junior gold medallist Anastasia Shamonova (75kg.) are the prominent ones who will try to assert their class.
