The upcoming Paris Olympics presents a stark contrast for Indian boxing. On one hand, the women’s team stands tall, having secured their spots through impressive performances at the 2023 Asian Games. Boxers like Nikhat Zareen (50 kg), Preeti Pawar (54 kg), Parveen Hooda (57 kg) and Lovlina Borgohain (75 kg) are poised to represent India on the biggest stage.
On the other hand, the men’s contingent paints a worrying picture. Despite the dedication of athletes like Nishant Dev, they haven’t qualified for the Olympics yet. This disparity exposes deep-rooted issues plaguing Indian men’s boxing.
BFI: A Crisis of Mismanagement
Indian boxers’ disappointing performance at the Olympic qualifiers has resulted in the sacking of their high-performance director, Bernard Dunne.
Dunne, who was reportedly being paid a hefty $15,000 per month, has been criticized for his training methods and for not following proper resignation procedures after the team’s failure to secure any quota places at the qualifiers.
Can the Men Mimic the Women’s Success?
With the World Qualification Tournament already concluded, the next and last chance for the men’s team to qualify for the Olympics lies in the upcoming tournament in Bangkok, scheduled from May 23 to June 3. This critical window demands immediate introspection and a strategic shift.
A Societal Shift: Women Punching Through Barriers
The dominance of Indian women boxers is a reflection of a larger societal change. It’s a story of breaking stereotypes and redefining gender roles in sports. These women are not only inspiring future generations but also challenging the status quo in a traditionally male-dominated field.
A Nation’s Hope Rests on Two Contingents
The upcoming qualifiers are a crucial opportunity for Indian boxing. The nation’s hope rests on the shoulders of both the women’s and men’s teams. While the women have set a high bar, the men have a chance to redeem themselves. The BFI must play a proactive role in providing the necessary support and guidance. Only then can India truly claim to have a strong boxing program, one that empowers both its female and male boxers to achieve Olympic glory.
