Nitu Ghanghas decodes reason behind radiating confidence of India's women boxers - Exclusive Interview

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New Delhi, March 15: The confidence of all 12 Indian female boxers competing in the IBA Women's World Boxing Championships 2023, starting Wednesday (March 15) at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex in New Delhi, has been refreshing.

Almost every pugilist part of the Indian squad deftly answered the questions put up by media persons and left everyone impressed during their interacting with the media at the press conference organised by the Boxing Federation of India (BFI).

Shift in mentality in Indian Boxing

The boxers, in the past, were often being timid during press meets, but things are changing rapidly in this new India. And young Indian female boxer Nitu Ghanghas when asked about this welcome change attributed the shift in the mentality of the pugilists.

While responding to MyKhel, the 2022 Commonwealth Games gold-medal winner, said, "I think the reason they are able to articulate themselves in a better way is that they are feeling confident about themselves and their game.

"They are in a better zone both mentally and physically, and that reflects in the way they interact. The overall confidence of Indian boxers has grown and we now believe that we are not lagging behind others in any sense. I am sure, this will eventually translate into better performance in the ring and we can win the gold medal."

Indian boxing squad preparations

The two-time youth world champion - will be competing in the marquee event in the 48 kg Women's minimumweight category in the IBA Women's World Championships.

In the last few championships, Indian boxers have done well and finished on the podium but missed out on the gold medal by losing in the semi-finals or finals. In the previous IBA World Championships in Istanbul, last year, India won 1 gold and two bronze.

Asked about the learnings Indian woman boxers have had from the past tournaments, where they failed to finish the podium, the 22-year-old claimed the setbacks and failures forced everyone to work hard on improving themselves technically and tactically.

"We are stepping into the ring with more confidence and better prepared. We have worked hard on our tactics, we sat with the coaches and spoke on ways to get technically more sound," Nitu added further.

"We watched the bouts of our opponents and analysed that boxers in the other top countries are getting technically sounder. So we have also focussed on this front and incorporated those changes in our game. I am sure we are going to put up an even better show this time around and the colour of medals will hopefully also change."

Boxing Infrastructure in India

When asked about the change in infrastructure and overall approach of the administration towards boxing, Nitu said, "I have seen a lot of improvement in boxing since 2017. Infrastructure has improved a lot and we are also getting a lot of exposure tours to foreign countries.

"We are getting the best of facilities in the camps be it training equipment, coaches or supplements or diet plans. The competition at the domestic level is getting tougher day by day as we are seeing a lot of talented boxers coming up from different parts of the country."

Most common problem overseas for Indian boxers

Indian athletes have often complained about facing a lot of problems with food when they visit overseas. When asked how she and other boxers nowadays combat this basic challenge on foreign soil, the Haryana girl said, the federation has helped a lot on this front.

"Yes, it used to be a challenge. But now the federation has allowed us to order or buy food of our choice and the expenses are borne by them."

Home Support for India in IBA WWBC

The Bhivani-born boxer is hoping for a big crowd turnout at the stadium to support her and other boxers and believes the presence of home support might help bring the best out of her.

When asked who all from her home town will be coming to Delhi to cheer for her, she said, "Whosoever knows I have a bout, they'll come to the stadium to cheer for me. It will be a big motivation for us.

"I think boxing at home will give me an extra push because when you are playing in familiar territory you sometimes end up punching above your weight. So, I am looking forward to giving my best in the tournament."