The Indian women’s boxing team won four gold medals to write a new chapter in the history of the International Boxing Association (IBA) Women’s World Boxing Championships at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Sports Complex. Nikhat Zareen, Lovlina Borgohain, Nitu Ghanghas and Saweety Boora won gold medals in their respective weight categories, bringing India’s medal tally to four.
Mary Kom, a five-time world boxing champion and Olympic medalist, is considered a trailblazer for women’s boxing in India. Her achievements inspired a new generation of female boxers who are continuing her legacy and making their mark on the world stage. Here’s how India’s women’s world boxing champions are building on Mary Kom’s legacy.
Introduction to Mary Kom’s Legacy:
Mary Kom is a pioneer in Indian women’s boxing. She started her career in 2000 and went on to win several national and international titles. In 2012, she won a bronze medal at the London Olympics, making her the first Indian woman boxer to win an Olympic medal. Her achievements inspired a generation of female boxers in India, and she became a role model for many.
India’s Women’s Boxing Champions:
Following in Mary Kom’s footsteps, several female boxers from India have made their mark on the world stage. Sarita Devi, who won a gold medal at the 2006 World Championships, is one of the most prominent female boxers in India. Other notable female boxers include Pinki Jangra, who won a gold medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, and Lovlina Borgohain, who won a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The Impact of Mary Kom on Women’s Boxing in India:
Mary Kom’s achievements and influence have had a significant impact on women’s boxing in India. She paved the way for female boxers to gain recognition and support from the government and society. Her success helped to break down barriers and stereotypes about women in sports, and she inspired more girls to take up boxing as a career.
Building on Mary Kom’s Legacy:
India’s current crop of women’s boxing champions is continuing to build on Mary Kom’s legacy. They are not only winning medals at international competitions but are also using their platforms to advocate for women’s rights and gender equality. They are inspiring a new generation of girls to take up boxing and to pursue their dreams, just like Mary Kom did.
One example of this is Lovlina Borgohain, who hails from a remote village in Assam. She faced numerous obstacles on her journey to become a world-class boxer, but she persevered and eventually won a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. In an interview, she spoke about how Mary Kom’s achievements inspired her to take up boxing, and how she hopes to inspire other girls from her village to pursue their dreams.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Women’s Boxing in India
Mary Kom’s legacy has paved the way for women’s boxing in India to flourish. Today, India has a strong contingent of female boxers who are making their mark on the world stage. They are not only winning medals but are also inspiring a new generation of girls to pursue their dreams. With continued support and encouragement, India’s women’s boxing champions will continue to build on Mary Kom’s legacy and achieve even greater heights in the future.
