In a disappointing turn of events, none of the Indian boxers were able to secure a medal at the recently concluded Paris Olympics. This includes two-time World Champion Nikhat Zareen, who had high hopes and aspirations for the tournament. The lack of podium finishes has left many fans and experts questioning the performance of the Indian boxing contingent.
One particular incident that caught the attention of the media was the post-tournament statement made by veteran boxer Mary Kom. In an interview with Inside Sport India, Kom was quoted saying, “I can fight better” when asked about the poor performance of the Indian boxers at the Paris Olympics. This statement has been interpreted by many as a jibe at Nikhat Zareen, who had openly challenged Kom for a spot in the Indian team.
It is important to note that the rivalry between Mary Kom and Nikhat Zareen has been well-documented in the past. Zareen had previously accused the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) of favoritism towards Kom, claiming that she was denied a fair chance to compete for a spot in the Olympic qualifiers. This had caused a stir in the Indian boxing community and had led to a highly publicized bout between the two boxers, which Kom had won.
However, in the aftermath of the Paris Olympics, it is crucial to put aside personal rivalries and focus on the bigger picture – the performance of the Indian boxers as a whole. It is unfair to single out a particular individual and make them the scapegoat for the team’s overall performance. As athletes, it is important to support and uplift each other, especially during tough times.
The Indian boxing contingent had a lot of potential going into the Paris Olympics. With established names like Mary Kom, Amit Panghal, and Vikas Krishan Yadav, the team had a good mix of experience and youth. However, in a sport like boxing, where one punch can change the outcome of a match, luck and timing also play a crucial role. Unfortunately, luck was not on the side of the Indian boxers at the Paris Olympics.
It is also worth mentioning that the Indian boxers had faced numerous challenges in the lead-up to the Olympics. The ongoing pandemic had disrupted their training and preparation, and many had to train in suboptimal conditions. In addition, the lack of exposure and high-level competitions due to travel restrictions had also affected their performance. Despite these challenges, the Indian boxers gave their best and fought with determination and spirit.
Instead of criticizing and pointing fingers, it is important to analyze and learn from our shortcomings. The BFI and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) must work together to identify the areas where improvement is needed and provide the necessary support and resources to the boxers. It is also important to start preparing for the upcoming tournaments and provide the boxers with ample opportunities to compete and gain experience.
In conclusion, the Paris Olympics may not have been a successful outing for the Indian boxers, but it should not discourage them from aiming for greater heights. As athletes, they must learn from their defeats and use them as motivation to come back stronger. Let us not forget the numerous achievements and medals that our boxers have brought to the country in the past. With the right support and determination, they can continue to make India proud on the global stage. Let us support our boxers and believe in their abilities to bounce back and achieve success in the future.
