Divya Pawar happier in the ring than hanging out with friends
PUNE: Madhya Pradesh’s Divya Pawar continued her stellar run at the Khelo India Youth Games, clinching gold in the U-21 54kg category, beating Haryana’s Shivani by unanimous verdict.
It was an aggressive first round with Divya successfully landing punches and managing to dodge her opponent’s jabs. The tactic unnerved Haryana’s Shivani who lowered her guard quite often, allowing Divya to attack.
After a cautious second round, Divya dominated the third. After the bout, the Madhya Pradesh boxer said winning the Khelo India gold was her aim at the start of the year. “I don’t set long-term goals. I wanted to take part in the senior nationals this year but they (authorities) didn’t let anyone born in or after 2000 compete,” said Divya, sounding a little dejected. “I was mentally ready to fight but since it didn’t work, I’ve stopped looking too far ahead. My next aim is to win the All-india Inter University boxing championships.”
Daughter of a constable posted in Bhopal jail, Divya is the first sportsperson from her family. “No one in my family was ever interested in sports but they all backed me when I made a career choice,” she added.
“I’m grateful to my family and coach for being by my side since I hardly have friends. I don’t remember the last time I spoke to a friend who doesn’t have a boxing background. I used to miss normal life, such as hanging around with friends, but now such thoughts hardly cross my mind. I’m happy inside the ring.”
Divya, who took up boxing in 2014, is pursuing Bachelors in Arts in Bhopal. She won the Golden Glove in Serbia last year and the AIBA Asian Youth Championship gold in Bangkok.