India unveil 10-member strong Indian team for AIBA Women’s Youth World Boxing Championship

India unveiled a strong 10-member contingent to lead the country’s charge in the AIBA Women’s Youth World Boxing Championship, starting in Guwahati on November 19 here on Friday.

Six pugilists from Haryana — Neetu (48kg, Jyoti (51kg), Sakshi (54kg), Shashi Chopra (57kg), Anupama (81kg) and Neha Yadav (81kg +) — and one each from Mizoram (Vanlalhriapuii – 60kg), Uttar Pradesh (Astha Pahwa (69kg), Hyderabad (Niharika Gonella – 75kg) and Guwahati (Ankushita Boro – 64kg) have been shortlisted after extensive training and a number of exposure trips.

“This is a fine lineup,” India’s coach Bergemasco Raffaele said. “Each of them is in tremendous shape and we are confident that they will bring in a number of medals,” he added.

All eyes will be on Sakshi, 2015 World Junior Champion, Guwahati’s Ankushita Boro, who is fresh from winning silver medals at the Balkan Youth International Boxing Championship in Bulgaria and the Ahmet Comert Championship in Istanbul, 2015 Junior World Championship silver medalist Niharika and National Champion Vanlalhriapuii .

The local favourite Ankushita is positive of putting up a good show as she takes on the world’s best in her own backyard.

“I feel this is a huge opportunity for all of us as the World Championship is being conducted in India and will give us an upper hand when we fight our opponents in front of our home crowd. Personally, I will feel no pressure facing anyone as I believe in my capabilities and will look to punch my way through to the finals of the tournament,” the local star, Ankushita exuded confidence.

The squad has been practicing in Guwahati along with the other International teams who have also arrived to adjust to the conditions.

All pugilists fresh from their medal-winning exploits in various tournaments from all around the world will face a new challenge and will be considering themselves lucky as they fight in front of a vociferous home crowd cheering them on.

About Boxing Federation of India (BFI)

The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) is recognised by AIBA and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India (GOI) as the nodal body responsible for the development and promotion of Olympic-style boxing in India. BFI has hosted six national tournaments in last one year, attracting over 300 boxers in each of the championships. It has hosted the AIBA 1-star course R&J certification course and seminar as well as the AIBA Cutman course this year. BFI, in association with AIBA and SAI, is also setting up a world-class boxing academy at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi. It also plans to start 8 satellite academies across the country. BFI is also organising for the first time the AIBA World Youth (Women) Boxing Championship from November 19, 2017 and BFI will also host the prestigious AIBA Women’s World Championship in 2018 and the AIBA Men’s World Championship in 2021