Haryana girls pack a punch, win 2 gold, silver, bronze

Haryana girls have won laurels at the international boxing circuit, with two pugilists from the state winning gold medals for the country in their respective weight categories at the ongoing World Boxing Championships being held in Liverpool, UK.The first gold medal was bagged by Bhiwani girl Jaismine Lamboria in the 57 kg weight category by defeating Olympic medallist Julia Koulend. She has become the ninth world champion in her weight category from India. Another Haryana girl, Minakshi Hooda from Rurki village in Rohtak district, also won the gold in the 48 kg weight category to add the second gold to India’s kitty.

Besides, Nupur Sheoran claimed the silver medal in the 80 kg category, while Pooja Rani secured the bronze in the 80 kg category, taking the total medal haul to four, including two gold.

Buoyed by Jaismine’s performance, her parents, Ravinder Kaur and Jasvir Singh, along with her coach Sandeep, celebrated her victory by distributing sweets. They expressed pride in her dedication, discipline and rigorous training, saying they always believed she would bring home a medal. They said it was important to provide a supportive environment to young athletes and encouraged other parents to have faith in their children’s sporting abilities.

Bhim Award-winning coach Sanjay Sheoran, who trained silver medallist Nupur and bronze medallist Pooja, said it was a matter of glory for the country, and for the state in particular, that all four medal-winning athletes hailed from Haryana, including three from Bhiwani.

He said their medals not only brought honour to the country but also raised Haryana and Bhiwani’s profile on the global stage. Residents of Bhiwani joined in the celebrations by distributing sweets in honour of the girls’ achievements.

Notably, seven of the 10 Indian women boxers hailed from Haryana. The Indian contingent included Minakshi (48 kg), Sakshi (54 kg), Jaismine Lamboria (57 kg), Sanju Khatri (60 kg), Neeraj Phogat (65 kg), Pooja Rani (80 kg) and Nupur Sheoran (80 kg) — all from Haryana — and Nikhat Zareen (51 kg), Sanamacha Chanu (70 kg) and Lovlina Borgohain (75 kg) from other states.