With help from seniors, young Indians hope to prove mettle
Young Manisha Moun, former champion Sarita Devi to open campaign for India
NEW DELHI: The Women’s World Boxing Championships will be an opportunity for Indian youngsters to make a mark. The likes of Manisha Moun and Lovlina Borgohain are highly rated and will be looking to pack a punch in front of their home crowd.
Manisha was only nine when the championships were held in India the last time, in 2006. The 20-year-old 54kg boxer will open India’s campaign when she takes on Christina Cruz of USA, bronze medallist from the last edition, on Friday. Manisha is considered India’s most talented in women’s boxing at the moment. Her rise has been stellar and stunned world champion Dina Zholaman of Kazakhstan in the Silesian Open in Poland recently winning silver. This World Championships will be her first big test, but Manisha remains unfazed. She carries a fearless attitude and smiles when she says she is under no pressure.
“I am feeling very proud that I am going to represent India in such a big championship. I know when I play in front of the home crowd I will be pumped up,” says the Haryana boxer.
“It will be tough as she is a world championship bronze medallist and quite experienced but I am prepared. I have watched her videos, spoken to seniors like Mary Kom about what to expect.”
The Haryana girl has taken part in three internationals this year and won medals — India Open (gold), Senior International in Kazakhstan (bronze) and Silesian Open in Poland (silver).
“I am in good form and beating the world champion in Poland has given me a lot of confidence.”
Another Indian youngster to watch out for is Lovlina Borgohain (69kg). The tall Assam girl won gold at the India Open and silver in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, this year. In the CWG, she lost to eventual champion Sandy Ryan of Britain in the quarter-finals.
“The 69kg is a new Olympic category and a lot of boxers have shifted to this weight category, so it will be challenging,’ said Lovlina, 21.
SARITA IN FRAY
The other Indian who will fight on Friday is Sarita Devi in 60kg. The 2006 gold medallist will be up against Sandra Diana Brugger of Switzerland. Sandra defeated Huswatun Hasanah of Indonesia 5-0 on Thursday. “I am fortunate that 12 years after winning a gold at home I am getting another opportunity,” said Sarita.
The 60kg, being an Olympic category, has one of the toughest fields. With two Olympic medallists Mira Potkonen and Anastasia Beliakova in fray, it will be tough for Sarita, who is in her last world championships.
HEARTBREAK FOR SOMALIA’S RAMLA
Somalia’s Ramla Ali lost a close contest in 57kg to Doaa Toujini of Morocco 3-2. Supported by a handful of Somalian fans, Ramla was aggressive but Toujini was quick to counter-attack. Ramla, who had raised her hand thinking she has sealed he contest, looked rattled when the result was declared.
“I am disappointed. I thought I had won and I had cleaner shots,” she said.
Also, Australia’s Commonwealth Games champion Anja Stridsman defeated Colombian Julieth Dayana Hernandez by split decision in 60kg. In another tough contest of the day Philippines Irish Magno beat Yana Burym 3-2 in 48kg.