Bhopal girls eager to take up boxing as career option

Setting aside notions that boxing is a game for men, girls in Bhopal are taking to amateur boxing at the Tatya Tope Stadium.

By Ram Chand Sahu

Bhopal, Aug.17 : Setting aside notions that boxing is a game for men, girls in Bhopal are taking to amateur boxing at the Tatya Tope Stadium.

If boxing officials are to be believed, the percentage of girls taking up boxing has increased from eight to ten per cent. These girls mainly belong to 13-22 year age group categories.

Amar Preet Kaur, the coach of the Madhya Pradesh women's boxing team, said: "Our target is to win more medals at the National Games. Last year, out of the four boxers, a woman boxer won a medal for the State. We are preparing for the qualifying round in October, and if they get through, they will be in the nationals. I am sure they will perform better there."

These enthusiastic female pugilists wish to make a name for themselves through boxing, though the date of the next National Games is yet to be announced.

Many of these girls say they are inspired by the success of light-flyweight pugilist M.C. Mary Kom of Manipur, a three-time world champion. In 2006, Kom was rewarded with coveted "Padma Shri" award.

Neha Kashyap, a woman boxer, said: "Earlier, women avoided boxing because they were scared of getting injured. We have taken up boxing because it is different from other sports."

Since being officially introduced in India in 2000, female boxing has drawn many girls due to the belief that it promotes self-confidence, offers a career option and fame.

Nisha Chauhan, another girl boxer, said: "I took an interest in boxing because it helps in self defence. I want to follow boxing as a career and want to represent India in the Olympics."

Boxing is said to be poor cousin of celebrity sports like cricket and tennis in the country.

Despite many hurdles and poor infrastructure, women pugilists have proved their mettle. Their determination has helped them to create a mark at the national and international level.

ANI