Inspired by Mary Kom, Bangladesh hope to build on toplevel exposure

NEW DELHI: Bangladesh’s maiden campaign at the Women’s World Championships may have lasted two days but chief coach Syed Mohiuddin Ahmed prefers to see it as a start for a promising future.

Bangladesh was among eight nations to debut here. Their boxers Farjana Farjana (48kg), Shamima Akter (54kg) and Islam Anika (51kg) lost in first round.

“We are not disheartened, rather the participation itself is encouraging for us. We are proud of the girls that they qualified for the event,” said Mohiuddin, a 12-time national champion who represented Bangladesh in the 1982 New Delhi Asian Games.

“It is a great experience for these girls to fight against world class boxers on such a platform and ambience. This experience will serve us well and we will only learn and prepare better for future international events.”

Bangladesh women’s boxing started in 2011 and Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP), the national sports institute, played a key role in grooming young talent.

“It is one of the best sports institutes in South Asia. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been taking active interest in promoting women’s participation in sports. The government is liberal now and there is no issue with girls coming out and competing,” said Mohiuddin.

Bangladesh boxers have an inspiring figure in the neighbourhood – India’s five-time world champion MC Mary Kom. “Our best boxer Shamima played Mary Kom at the South Asian Games. She lost, but won a bronze. She is 19 and it was a huge moment for her. They all look up to her. We are proud of Mary Kom’s achievements. She is an inspiration.”

The Bangladesh girls have often come to India for sparring. “We have come to Patiala and sparred. India is doing so well in boxing and as neighbours we are thankful for their encouragement. We have won two bronze medals in South Asian Games, but playing here at the World Championships is a big moment in our boxing history,” he said.