While Lovlina Borgohain’s bronze medal in the 69kg category in Tokyo ended a medal drought in the previous two Games, the lackluster performance of Indian boxers in Paris has raised several pointed questions for the BFI to answer.
The campaign was derailed during the qualifying phase itself. After securing four women’s quota places in the Asian Games, India could not secure a single place in the first World Olympic qualifying event at Busto Arsizio.
The departure of Irish high performance manager Bernard Dunne was a distraction, but the remaining coaching staff, including foreign coach Dmitri Dmitruk, who was brought into the system by Dunne, fine-tuned the coaching method – from short sessions to allow extra time for boxers to work on their game individually — to get preparation back on track.
Following some changes in the team, India managed to secure three additional quota places, notably by reclaiming the 57kg place that the country had lost following the failure to locate Parveen Hooda, in the second world qualifying match in Bangkok.
The BFI, with the support of the Sports Authority of India (SAI), provided all kinds of support, including hiring a psychologist and a chef (to serve Indian food to the boxers) and sending the boxers to training camps. training abroad during the preparatory phase.
In Paris, two boxers, Nishant Dev (71 kg) and Lovlina Borgohain (75 kg), lost in the quarter-finals, close to winning a medal, while four others, including world champion Nikhat Zareen (50 kg ), were ousted earlier.
India’s Nishant Dev, left, takes on Mexico’s Marco Verde in their men’s 71kg quarter-final boxing match. | Photo credit: John Locher/AP
India’s Nishant Dev, left, takes on Mexico’s Marco Verde in their men’s 71kg quarter-final boxing match. | Photo credit: John Locher/AP
World bronze medalist Nishant, who had a favorable draw, lost to Mexico’s Marco Verde 4-1 after winning the first round. Amid the outcry from Indian fans over the unfair decision, it was clear that Nishant, a smart boxer with plenty of power, could not perform at his best against a tough opponent he had tamed at the World Championships. world 2021. Nishant neither delivered his powerful punches nor ensured his safety, especially in the third round. His declining stamina level also contributed to his loss.
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Lovlina, who suffered a back problem while preparing for the event, posed a strong challenge to Li Qian, the Asian Games champion. She could have done better in terms of long distance boxing and using her right hand more effectively.
Paris: Chinese Wu Yu (in red) is declared the winner of the round of 16 in women’s 50 kg boxing against Indian Nikhat Zareen. | Photo credit: Ravi Choudhary/PTI
Paris: Chinese Wu Yu (in red) is declared the winner of the round of 16 in women’s 50 kg boxing against Indian Nikhat Zareen. | Photo credit: Ravi Choudhary/PTI
Nikhat also lost to a stronger Chinese opponent, fellow Asian Games champion Wu Yu, in the pre-quarterfinals. A tougher draw, due to the lack of seeds, could have had an impact on Nikhat’s energy level. Wu’s better execution of his plans was another apparent reason for halting the Indian’s advance.
Former world number one Amit Panghal couldn’t handle Patrick Chinyemba’s tactical boxing and free kicks in the round of 16. Panghal had overcome a tough challenge from the Zambian in the Commonwealth Games semi-finals before winning the gold medal. In Paris, Chinyemba boxed at another level.
Preeti Pawar, who was hospitalized during the camp in Germany, recovered in time to give her best before being beaten 3-2 in a close match against Colombian Yeni Castaneda in the pre- quarter-finals.
Jaismine Lamboria (57kg) was foiled by Tokyo silver medalist Nesthy Petecio in the first round and was unable to make much of an impact.
Former Commonwealth Games champion Akhil Kumar said there should be a thorough analysis of the performance of boxers. “The SAI and the Ministry of Sports provided everything. We had 11 support staff for a team of six boxers. There should be a proper review of what they have done,” Akhil said.
“Have the coaches told our star boxers where they went wrong and where they should improve? Why haven’t we seen power in the punches despite the presence of strength and conditioning staff? I think we should stop relying on foreign coaches and start believing in our local coaches,” he added.
Without any prejudice, the BFI must take strict measures to correct the situation so that Indian boxers realize their potential on the biggest stage. Even though boxing’s place at Los Angeles 2028 is still unconfirmed, its preparation cannot be put on the back burner.
A training method suited to the mentality and game of Indian boxers, identification and preparation of talent for the future, and development of a strong national structure without any regional bias should be the priority areas to be addressed. the future.
Akhil quoted famous Hindi poet Neeraj, urging boxers to stand up and fight again for a better future: “Life does not die from the loss of little dreams. » (Life doesn’t end just because some dreams die). »
