2 Chandigarh boxers selected for U-22 Asian Championship

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 5

Chandigarh boxers Monika and Nandani, who now plays for the Indian Railways, have been selected for the U-22 Asian Boxing Championship. The trials for the championship were conducted by the Boxing Federation of India on January 3 and 4 at the NIS, Patiala.

The Asian Championship is scheduled to be held at Tashkent from January 20. Monika (51kg) is a student of GGDSD College, Sector 32, and has won gold medals in the All-India Inter-University and inter-college championships. She won a bronze medal in the Women’s Elite Senior National Championship, a gold medal in the 20th Chandigarh (Senior) Elite Women’s State Championship and a gold medal in Khelo India University Games, besides winning other major tournaments.

Monika, who comes from a humble background, will represent the nation for the first time. She is a trainee of Virinder Dangi, who is posted at Tau Devi Lal Stadium, Sector 3, Panchkula.

“My family is happy with my selection and I will try to bring home a gold medal,” said Monika, whose father is a small-time farmer and mother is a housewife. “My journey is full of struggle and it has taught me to survive in the toughest conditions,” said Monika.

Chandigarh Boxer Nandani (21), who lives in Mohali and had represented Chandigarh before joining the Indian Railways, has been also selected for the Asian meet. She is a gold medal winner in the Women’s Elite Senior National Championship, participated in the Elite Women World Championship, won gold medals in the All-India Inter-University and 7th Nations Cup. She had also won a silver medal in the Youth National Championship and a bronze medal in the Youth National Championship.

“I am happy with my selection. This will be my first tournament of the year and I am confident of winning the top honour for the country,” said Nandini.

“I am currently training in Delhi. I am in high spirits and prepared well in the off-season,” said Nandini, who trained under UT Sports Department coach Bhagwant Singh.

Ajay Sharma, Principal, GGDSD College, congratulated the boxers.