As the Indian girls are all set to move from Delhi to Guwahati for the upcoming World youth women’s boxing championship, foreign coach Raffael Bergamasco is confident of the boxers’ preparation for the big event.
After securing eight medals in a competitive field in the ‘Balkan’ international tournament in Sofia last month, the girls are now focussed on stepping up the intensity and bridge the minor gap with other countries.
“In this period we are working on the intensity since the competition will be short,” Bergamasco, who assumed a greater role following the exit of French coach Stephane Cottalorda in mid-September, told The Hindu on Saturday.
“Thanks to the help of all the coaches, I have improved on the tactical and technical aspects, the coordinating aspect and the legs (work).”
Bergamasco said the Indians should put up a creditable performance in Guwahati, which will host the event from November 19 to 26. “I do not like to give results but in the lower categories we are more promising. Don’t be surprised if we get quite a few (medals),” said the Italian.
Asked about the level of the competition, Bergamasco said, “The competition is very strong. In my opinion after Russia, Kazakhstan and other Asian countries will make an impact.
“ Boxers from countries like China and Uzbekistan are very much in contention. Also, the boxers from England and France have to be very good.”
According to Bergamasco, the event would witness some future star boxers, who could make an impact in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. “The youth world championship has always been the launch pad for the future Olympics. The best athletes always come out from such events,” said Bergamasco.
