In their mid-30s, most boxers consider hanging up their gloves. But 34-year-old Tokyo Olympian Pooja Rani not solely chased her dream but in addition achieved it by touchdown her maiden World championship medal, a bronze in 80kg, in Liverpool and helped India end with a creditable tally of 4 medals. The dashing pugilist from Bhiwani doesn’t thoughts working tougher than ever with a view to get what appeared to her as an unfulfilled mission.

Now, she accepts that she is on the fag finish of her greater than a decade-long profession and sounds life like about her future within the ring. Pooja spoke to The Hindu about her brave journey. Excerpts:

Tell us about your time after you competed within the Tokyo Olympics and the World championships in 2022.

After that I took a break. I obtained married in February 2023. I didn’t compete in any event in the entire of 2023. Then in 2024, I participated solely within the National championships.

How troublesome was your comeback?

If you’re taking a break, then it’s important to begin from zero. We need to play in district-level occasions, then we now have to play in state championships as effectively. Because your house is gone impulsively.

You need to make a brand new begin once more. So, I competed within the state championships and went on to turn into the National champion this yr.

The yr 2025 was superb for me. I participated within the World Cup in Astana, Kazakhstan. I gave efficiency there and bagged a silver medal.

As quickly as we got here again from the World Cup, our preparations for the World championships began. The World championships additionally went off effectively.

Why did you consider making a comeback once more? How far more coaching did it’s important to do?

I used to be doing coaching earlier. I educated in 2024, however I used to be not doing it so severely. Because I knew that there was no main competitors that yr. The solely main occasion was the Olympics (and solely certified athletes might go there and compete). I knew that in 2025 the World championships or the World Cups will probably be there. I began coaching effectively as a result of there was no level in taking it simple. I’ll get good outcomes provided that I carry out effectively.

But within the mid-30s, a number of boxers, each female and male, retire. Why did you consider coming again once more?

My husband performed the primary position on this. He noticed that I left the game at a time (once I might have carried on). He isn’t an athlete, however understands me effectively. After all, we now have been collectively for the previous six years. He motivated me that I ought to do it. He thought that I might be completely happy provided that I competed in one other occasion or received one other medal.

I additionally felt that since I had been boxing for thus a few years, there ought to be some achievement that I ought to be ok with.

After your father’s loss of life, does your mom help you?

My mom at all times cared for me. I work as an Income Tax inspector. She was eager for my success as she knew if I obtained a medal within the World championships, then I might get a promotion. She could be awake until late within the evening to look at my bout.

But after 30 years, it’s important to do extra health. So, how a lot did you take note of that?

After that age it’s important to pay extra consideration to your power because the power begins to lower. I paid full consideration to constructing my power.

Whether I did (boxing) coaching or not, I did power coaching. Talking about efficiency, if we preserve working arduous, then we will certainly get good outcomes.

Do you wish to follow 80kg or drop all the way down to 75kg sooner or later?

See, now the World Cup closing goes to be held in India. For that, I’ll compete in 80kg. Next yr, I’ll strive 70kg or 75kg as a result of the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games are arising. I’ll positively attempt to do effectively in these occasions.

You fought very effectively within the World championships. What does this medal imply to you?

I’ve competed in 4 World championships up to now. In 2012 and 2016, it was the Olympic qualifier (and was more durable). I additionally participated in 2022 and misplaced within the quarterfinals. That was an enormous heartbreak for me.

I boxed effectively and I didn’t have a medal within the World championships. I needed to win a medal. And now I obtained an opportunity to put my arms on it.

In the quarterfinals (in opposition to Poland’s Emilia Koterska in Liverpool), I misplaced 2-3 within the first spherical. In the second spherical, I put all my vitality into it. I believed that if I give my greatest on this spherical, solely then one thing can occur. I received the second spherical 5-0 and the bout with a 3-2 margin. When my medal was confirmed, I felt as if it have been a dream.

You have labored with coach D. Chandralal earlier than. How was it working with him once more?

Yes, Chandralal Sir was within the camp in 2012. I began boxing in 2009 however I didn’t compete in any main occasion until 2012. My first main occasion was with Chandralal Sir. I received a silver medal within the Asian championships. Now he has returned once more because the coach.

I felt good. I remembered the outdated days once I began (as a global boxer) with him. Now I prepare with him even when I’m within the final stage of my boxing profession. He may be very strict. I’ve by no means seen anybody as strict as him. People stated a number of adverse issues about his coaching strategies, however you see the efficiency.

Apart from the key occasions subsequent yr, the 2028 Olympics can be there. For how lengthy do you wish to stick with it?

If subsequent yr seems to be one for me, then I’ll proceed additional. I’ll go step-by-step.

What are the areas you must work on?

I really feel I should work on my stamina. Before the Liverpool occasion, we had our coaching in Sheffield. Because of the change in climate, I obtained a chilly.

In the final spherical I used to be having a bit of stamina drawback. I used to be getting drained. I’ll work on this space. Obviously, I’ll pay extra consideration to rising my power.

This World championships can be particular for you as a result of Nupur Sheoran, who is sort of a sister of yours, additionally obtained a medal in 80+kg. How completely happy are you?

Yes, it’s a matter of happiness that the 4 medals which have come are from Haryana. And three are from Bhiwani. And two are from the identical academy – Captain Hawa Singh Boxing Academy.

Post Views: 24