India on course for good show in Youth Women's World boxing: Raffaelle

By our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI, Nov 12: Former world boxing medal winner Raffaelle Bergamasco, who also coached Italy in three Olympics, joined as the Performance Director for Indian’s Youth Women Team recently. Responding to a written query from The Sentinel Bergamasco expresses confident that Indian Youth team is on course for a good show at the AIBA Youth Women’s World Championship. Here is the excerpt.

Tell us about the preparation of Indian women boxing team for the forthcoming World Youth Championship in Guwahati.

Raffaelle:The Youth Women team’s preparation is going in full swing. We, the coaches have planned out a strategic training programme after long discussion and alyzing each of the boxers, their strength and weaknesses. We do intense workout followed by regular physical training and focus on key points and work individually to strengthen the areas they lack.

What Indian fans can expect from your team in the forthcoming meet ?

Raffaelle:One thing I can say that the fans will have a great time watching these young women in action. They are good boxers and will give a tough fight to their opponents.

Can you reveal the me of a few boxers whom have good chances to win medals in this championship?

Raffaelle:Jyoti is a good boxer and she has all the possibilities to qualify for the Youth Olympics in Argentine next year in the 51 KG category. Wanlalhritpuii and Shakshi are also experienced and strong contenders but I repeat all the boxers are good and we have a strong Indian team with all the possibilities to make to the podium during the Youth World Championship.

What are the positive things you found among our junior boxers?

Raffaelle:If I have to compare these girls to my own in Italy than I have to say that  these Indian girls have great character and great heart.

Is there any area which needs immediate attention for further progress of  women boxing in India ?

Raffaelle:They are working hard and they have improved a lot and will continue to improve. There are quite a few boxers who have the potential to be part of the core group for Tokyo Olympic 2020.