India’s bench strength, an assortment of experienced hands and young talent, inspires confidence ahead of a busy 2018 calendar featuring some mega events and the 2020 Olympics.
The experienced lot, including S. Sarjubala Devi (51kg), Nikhat Zareen (51kg), Meena Kumari (54kg), Sonia Lather (57kg), Pavitra (60kg), Pwilao Basumatary (64kg) and Simranjit (64kg), showcased the various facets of the noble sport and contributed in making the recently held event in Rohtak the most competitive National women’s championships ever.
Promising boxers such as Monika (48kg), Ritu (51kg), Manisha (54kg), Shashi Chopra (57kg), Lovlina Borgohain (69kg) and Kalawanti (81kg) narrowly missed out on gold, but it wasn’t for want of skill, passion or competitiveness.
Drama inside the ring and tears outside it spoke of the close fights and high stakes. “Good to see so many keenly competed bouts in the quarterfinals, semifinals and finals. This will spur each one to give her best and improve the overall standard of women’s boxing,” says chief National coach Shiv Singh.
Other achievers, such as Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Pinki Rani Jangra and former National champion Neeraj, could not participate in the Rohtak championships for different reasons but will be in contention for bigger events.
Then there are the five world youth champions who made a huge impression with their historic performance in Guwahati in November and could be among the flag-bearers in the future. The results from various exposure trips are encouraging as well, confirming that women’s boxing is in fine health in India.
