A promising Nagpur pugilist to look out for
Promising 2021 youth world boxing champion, Maharashtra’s Alfiya Pathan and the sports ministry flagship event Khelo India Games are synonymous.
The Nagpur-based 20-yearold international boxer’s first appearance was at the Khelo India School Games in 2018, and she won a gold medal in the heavyweight category (plus 81kg). Six years later, she is competing in the boxing event of the ongoing Khelo India University Games 2022 at the SVSP Sports Complex in Gautam Buddh Nagar. “The Khelo India Games is an excellent opportunity for those on the fringes as well as established athletes to make an impact,” Alfiya said on the eve of her final match on Thursday. After winning her first gold in 2018 Khelo India School Games, the boxing star became eligible for a monthly scholarship of Rs 10,000. “The monthly scholarship is very beneficial to athletes who are still studying and aren’t employed,” Alfiya added. Representing Nagpur University in the ongoing Khelo India University Games, Alfiya is considered a hot favourite to win gold in her weight category. She got a walkover in the semi-finals on Thursday and the final is scheduled for Friday. Alfiya is one of those boxers who has graduated from the youth category to the elite level. Currently, she is enrolled at the Sports Authority of India Rohtak’s National Centre of Excellence in Haryana.
“There are good sparring partners and facilities at the NCOE in Rohtak,” Alfiya said, adding that the chief women’s national boxing coach, Bhaskar Bhatt, heads the coaching staff at the NCOE.