Withhelpfromseniors, young Indians hopetoprovemettle
WORLD BOXING Young Manisha Moun, former champion Sarita Devi to open campaign for India NEW DELHI: I am actually feeling very proud that I am going to represent India in such a big championship. This is an opportunity to prove myself.
The Women’s World Boxing Championships will be an ideal 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.
She is considered India’s most talented in women’s boxing at the moment.
Manisha’s rise has been stellar and she showed her mettle by stunning world champion Dina Zholaman of Kazakhstan in the Silesian Open boxing tournament in Poland recently en route a silver medal. The success marked her as someone cut out for big things.
BIGGEST TEST
This World Championships will be her first big test, but Manisha remains unfazed. She carries a fearless attitude on the ring and smiles when she says she is under no pressure playing India’s first bout.
“I am actually feeling very proud that I am going to represent India in such a major cham- pionship. This is an opportunity to prove myself. I know when I play in front of the home crowd I will be pumped up,” says the Haryana boxer.
“My first bout will be tough as she is a world championship bronze medallist and is quite experienced. She is 36. 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 international tournaments this year and won medals — India Open (gold), Senior International Competition 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. I should have won gold in Poland but lost a close bout in the final.”
Another Indian youngster to watch out for is Lovlina Borgohain (69kg). The tall Assamese girl won gold at the India Open and silver in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia this year. In the Commonwealth Games, she lost to eventual champion Sandy Ryan of Britain in the quarterfinals.
“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 the seasoned Sarita Devi in 60kg category. The 2006 gold medallist will be up against Sandra Diana Brugger of Switzerland. Sandra defeated Huswatun Hasanah of Indonesia 5-0 on Thursday.
The 60kg category, being an Olympic category division, has one of the toughest fields. With two Olympic medallists Mira Potkonen and Anastasia Beliakova in fray, it will be tough for the Indian, who is in her last world championships. The seasoned pro though will be expected to clear the first round.
Australia’s Commonwealth Games champion Anja Stridsman defeated Colombian Julieth Dayana Hernandez by split decision. Facing an opponent who also fights in pro boxing, Anja had to compete hard to win.
The 69kg is a new Olympic category and a lot of boxers have shifted to this weight category. So it will be challenging and interesting.
LOVLINA BORGOHAIN, India boxer