Atreyo Mukhopadhyay
It was the medal ceremony after the 75-81 kg category final in the women’s world boxing championship. India’s Saweety Boora was the podium topper and presenting her the medal was Boxing Federation of India (BFI) president Ajay Singh. They hugged each other for a moment or two and a bit longer. And therein lays a story.
It was a perfect picture for those who dare to dream, believe and perform. Indians winning gold medals in women’s boxing world championships is not a new story, thanks to MC Mary Kom and others. But there was a question. Who after her, rather them? Magnificent Mary won the world title six times, changed her weight category to win an Olympic bronze. Was there going to be a legacy?
Scenes at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium on the first day of the finals confirmed that the answer is ‘yes’. A resounding ‘yes’ at that. Nitu Ghanghas and Saweety winning and Nikhat Zareen with Lovlina Borgohain to appear in finals on Sunday means that these women have succeeded in keeping the flag flying. We are talking about four world championship medals here. This is no joke. This is the discipline that has won India two Olympic medals starting 2012. As another Olympic year comes closer, there is reason to believe the medal count is going to increase in Paris 2024.
Why do we mention BFI and Ajay Singh? Federations in India are about politics and poli-tricks, aren’t they? What do they have to do with sports? This is true, to an extent. At the same time, there are exceptions. And the BFI has been one. It has made sure that a strong support system is in place, including overseas professionals. In its limited budget, the federation has provided the boxers training facilities, exposure programmes. The results are showing. Since women’s boxing became an Olympic discipline in 2012, India has won two medals.
Well, that is not a huge achievement for sure. But it is certainly a few steps in the right direction. For years, there was a question as in who after Mary Kom! We have the answer now. There is Nikhat, Lovlina, Nitu, Saweety. There are more after them equally motivated and dedicated to their cause. The pool is increasing and that is the biggest yardstick to judge progress. The more you have in the reckoning, the higher the chances of conversion in terms of medals. And that is what we are seeing.
Having said that, it is not the time to over-celebrate. Savour the success, certainly, but don’t overdo. Let us not say we are there. We are on the way yes, but the destination is still a fair way away. It will take a lot more effort to become a powerhouse in women’s boxing. There is potential, talent, capability, will, sincere effort, corporate money and other ingredients. But the job has just begun. Mary Kom emerged despite the system. Now that a system in place, it’s time to make that stronger.
Yes, we believe in the current crop of boxers and those waiting in the wings for their turn. We are looking forward to a future with lots of promises. For that to become a reality, it will require plenty of blood, sweat and hardship, with some honest effort on part of the administration and corporate backing. Signs are encouraging and bright. It’s time to work harder to make optimum use of this. Go girls. Get the Olympic medals. Make it your stage.