LPU pugilist wins silver in world boxing c’ship

Our Correspondent

Phagwara, October 14

A student of Lovely Professional University (LPU) has brought glory to the nation by winning a silver medal in the 48-kg category in the Women’s World Boxing Championship held at Ulan-Ude, Russia.

Manju Rani is doing BSc physical education and is in second year. She has qualified for Olympics and is earning accolades worldwide.

Scripting history with her maiden appearance at the world championship, Manju won the semifinals, 4-1, against her opponent from Thailand. In her international debut, she has surpassed Mary Kom’s record by winning a silver medal; Mary had bagged a bronze medal.

Out of the four Indian competitors in different weight categories, Manju is the only Indian to have reached the finals.

She missed winning the World Champion title as she lost the finals against second-seeded Russian boxer Ekaterina Paltceva.

Manju has already won a gold medal at Senior National Boxing Championship held at Vijayanagar, Karnataka, a silver medal at Strandja Memorial Cup Tournament held annually in Europe (Bulgaria) and bronze medals in both India Open and Thailand Open.

Chancellor of the university, Ashok Mittal, inspired her to keep performing like this and set her eyes on winning at Olympics.

Manju shares, “Being fatherless and a poor sister to four siblings , my mentors in Rithal village, my native place in Haryana, advised me to join LPU and sharpen my boxing skills.”

Luckily, “I was selected for admission at LPU after my first trial. My mother was ready to mortgage her jewellery to fund my training and education. However, I am thankful to the LPU management for admitting me on 100 per cent scholarship, including free accommodation. The university also provided me great opportunities to participate in zonal and national-level competitions. I, also, joined coaching camps for international competitions. All this reflects in the way I conduct myself on the international platforms.”

A strong admirer of former American professional boxer and WBO heavyweight title-holder Lamon Brewster, Rani wants to be like him. In a message to the girls of her age, Manju advises: “Be fit and fine and pursue your passion.” Her fondness also lies in painting.