It isn't just Indian women’s cricket that is giving us cause for cheer, Indian women are also making their mark in several other sporting spheres. Indian shuttlers have long been a force to reckon with in world badminton and these days, women's boxing in India is no longer confined to the stellar feints of Mary Kom either. We have had a lot to cheer in recent times – in boxing and badminton.
One of India’s only two medal winners at the last Olympics, P V Sindhu has had an enviable run at the super series tournaments this year. Earlier this year, she had won the India Open and Korea Open tournaments. A few days ago, she stormed into the finals of the Hong Kong Open.
However, on the day, her opponent Tai Tzu-ying was too good for her. Sindhu continued to fight throughout but ultimately she was defeated in straight games 18-21, 18-21.
P V Sindhu is currently ranked at No 3 in the world in women's badminton. In April, earlier this year she had climbed to the No 2 position in the world.
The AIBA (earlier Association Internationale de Boxe Amateur, now the International Boxing Association) youth championships at Guwahati saw some stellar performances from Indian boxers. These Indian girls won five gold medals and finished overall champions of the tournament.
Nitu (48kg), Jyoti Gulia (51kg), Sakshi Choudhury (54kg), Shashi Chopra (57kg) and Ankushita Boro (64kg) all won gold medals whereas Neha Yadav (+81kg) and Anupama (81kg) won bronze medals. The last time India won a gold at this event was in 2011 and had just one bronze at the previous edition of the event. Thanks to her medal, Jyoti Gulia also qualifies automatically for the Youth Olympics Games in Argentina next year.
Rafaele Bergamasco has been the Director of the Indian youth women's boxing team since July, though his association with Indian boxing dates back to 2003. He feels that there is a lot of potential in Indian boxing right now. According to him, Indian boxers have a lot of heart, stamina and are willing to work hard. However, it is on technique that they have to concentrate now. According to him, India cannot be content with the occasional Olympic medals – there are many more like Mary Kom in India, he feels. We certainly hope he is right!
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