Greater Noida: National champion Minakshi showcased remarkable determination by achieving a significant upset in the women’s national championships, defeating world champion Nitu Ghanghas. She advanced to the semi-finals in the 48kg category at the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex on Monday.

Representing the All India Police, Minakshi entered the ring well-prepared to confront an opponent who had previously triumphed over her in critical selection trials. Demonstrating aggression and skillful ring tactics, Minakshi kept Nitu on the defensive for the majority of the three rounds, ultimately securing a 4-1 victory. Having faced the southpaw Nitu before, Minakshi maintained her focus and continued to press the attack.

“My coach advised me to seize opportunities and intensify my offensive strategy. I was able to implement the game plan effectively,” Minakshi stated.

Although she has been a member of the national team, Minakshi has often been the second-choice boxer behind Nitu, who gained recognition by winning medals at the Commonwealth Games (2022) and the World Championships (2023).

“We have concentrated on enhancing her strength and overall performance. Her right punch and hook have become more effective, which proved advantageous against Nitu today,” remarked coach Vijay Hooda.

Minakshi earned a silver medal at the 2022 Asian Championships and a gold medal at the Elorda Cup last year, where she defeated Uzbekistan’s Rahmonova Saidahon. Despite being part of the national camp since 2021, her international competition experience has been limited. With this victory, Minakshi has made a significant impact and aspires to secure a more permanent position on the Indian team.

Having begun her boxing journey in 2013, Minakshi has encountered challenges both at home and within society regarding her choice of sport. The daughter of an auto-rickshaw driver from Rurki, near Rohtak, Haryana, has persevered through numerous obstacles to reach this point.

Coach Hooda, who has trained elite boxers such as Jyoti Gulia and Shiksha Narwal, shares, “My academy was located close to her home, and one day she came to seek admission.”

He continues, “The family struggled financially and could not afford her fees. With three sisters and one brother, their resources were limited. However, recognizing her talent and commitment, I chose to train her and persuaded her family to allow her to pursue boxing.”

Minakshi, now serving as a police constable, reflects on the challenges she faced in her early days. 

“In the village, people warned me that boxing would scar my face and advised my family against my involvement in sports. We experienced significant financial hardships, but now my family is my greatest support.”

“Looking back, boxing has transformed my life; otherwise, I would have likely been married off like many other girls in my village,” Minakshi states.

In other news, Tokyo Olympian Pooja Rani secured her place in the semifinals with a decisive 5-0 victory over Komal in the middleweight division. Youth world and national champion Sanamacha Chanu also advanced to the semifinals (66-70kg) after winning by RSC against Karnataka’s AA Saanchi Bollamma.

In a closely contested match, seasoned boxer Sonia Lather, representing the Railway Sports Control Board, triumphed over Chandigarh’s Monika with a narrow 4:3 split decision.

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