Indian boxing will soon be among the best in the world, says Ankushita Boro

World Youth Women’s Boxing Championships gold medallist Ankushita Boro who is looking forward to giving her best at the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) starting from January 10 in Guwahati says that India will be among the best in the world soon. Ankushita said that more boxing tournaments are creating a more competitive environment.

“Yes. I’m quite hopeful that India will be among the top…maybe in the top five very soon. Now, the nationals and other tournaments are getting more competitive. Even events like Big Bouts will also help in this regard. In fact, our pugilists have proved themselves in the last several international events. If it continues like this…the goal is not very far,” Ankushita told The Bridge. She said that the Tokyo Olympics will witness Indian boxers doing well like never before.

“The boxers in the current camp are working pretty hard under the watchful eyes of the coaches. There are chances that they will shine bright in the Olympics,” she added.

Ankushita who hails from a very humble background from Assam’s Sonitpur district first caught the limelight in AIBA Women’s Youth World Championship in Guwahati in 2017 winning the gold in 64kg weight category.

Ankushita who won silver in the recently concluded Elite Women's National Boxing Championship said that she is looking for gold in the KIYG. She added:

At the moment, I’m working hard to get a good result in the Khelo India Youth Games. It’s a good opportunity for every boxer as more boxers can participate in the tournament unlike in the boxing nationals and other similar tournaments. Last time I had bronze as I was not competing in my usual weight category. But this time I’m back to my original 64 kg category and I would like to take a gold

The 19-year old pugilist had participated in 60-kg weight category during the last KIYG in Pune. The KIYG this time would witness more than 7,000 athletes from across the country fighting for 1,500 medals in 20 disciplines. The games will be played in 11 venues across the city and it will continue till January 22.

Ankushita is hopeful that this time with the KIYG being held in Assam, it would inspire many youngsters from rural areas to take up sports seriously. “Yes, I believe it’s not only a great opportunity for the players to prove themselves to go to the next level but also for the youngsters across the state to get inspired by watching his sporting event in their home state. I hope more youngsters will take sports seriously,” she added.