By Shruti Sunderraman
The AIBA World Women’s Youth Championships 2017, hosted in Guwahati, Assam, was a jubilant moment for Indian women. On 26 November, five boxers – Nitu, Jyoti Guliam, Sakshi Choudhary, Ankushita Boro and Shashi Chopra – bagged gold medals at the championship. Pugilists Neha Yadav and Anupama won bronze medals, bringing the tally up to seven medals for India.
A news report states that Nitu secured her gold against Kazakhstan’s Zhazira Urakbayeva. To add to her joy, Nitu’s 5-0 win qualifies her for the 2018 Youth Olympics. Jyoti and Ankushita both fought and won against Russian opponents Ekaterina Molchonova and Ekaterina Dynnik respectively. Sakshi secured her gold against England’s Ivy-Jane Smith, while Shashi scored a victory against Nghc Do Hong.
According to another news report, female Indian boxers had not won a gold medal at the Championship since 2011. Boxer Sarjubala Devi won a gold medal in the 2011 at the same event. So, these medals offer even more reason to celebrate.
To top it off, this is the first time this women’s boxing championship is being hosted by India. Women Indian boxers and the rest of India have a lot to celebrate with these wins. Seven medals, an Olympics qualification and relentless spirit packed quite a punch for Indian sports on Sunday.