My goal is to win a gold medal at the World Boxing Championship

Boxing sensation Arundhati Choudhary recently made history to become the first ever female boxer from Rajasthan to clinch a gold medal at the AIBA World Boxing Championships. She has come a long way from being an IIT aspirant to a state level basketball player and now a renowned boxer and is setting her sights higher to achieve more glory. 

arundhati-choudhary-69kg-poses-with-the-gold-medal-after-winning-the-final-at-the-aiba-mens-and-womens-world-championships-in-kielce-poland-on-thursday My goal is to win a gold medal at the World Boxing Championship

In an exclusive interview with SPOGO, Arundhati Choudhary speaks about her journey so far, winning the AIBA Youth World Championships, the importance of mental health, her future goals and advice to the next generation of boxers. 

Coming from IIT city of India Kota, how did you end up playing Boxing?

I used to play basketball in the fifth grade and due to my height my physical training teacher selected me for basketball. I have played state level Basketball as well. When I was named in the Nationals, my father said that I could perform really well in solo sports because in a team game one needs team support and suggested three sports – Boxing, Wrestling and Badminton. I have been quite aggressive in my nature right since my childhood. I asked him about each of the games and when he told me about boxing, I was so fascinated by it, that I decided to pick the sport as it compliments my nature really well and I can truly perform well.

How did it feel to script this historic win at the AIBA Youth World Championships ?

I'm really very happy. I was a part of the Indian team which in itself was a matter of great joy for me and the fact that I also played a role in history that our Indian girls scripted by winning 7 gold medals makes me happy. I'm very thankful to BFI, SAI, (Rohtak), Rajasthan Boxing Federation and my Academy for supporting me so much. It is because of them that I was able to achieve a gold medal.

How did you prepare for the Championship given the Covid-19 restrictions in India?

Yes training in the pandemic was quite difficult, but I worked really hard. No doubt the COVID situation was tough for a lot of people including me but from a training point of view, it went really well. My father has built a boxing hall for me in the school he is a chairman of and I worked very hard in it. I would train two times a day – in the morning and in the evening as my only target was winning gold in the World Championships.

arundhati-with-the-gold-medal My goal is to win a gold medal at the World Boxing Championship

You have won three gold medals at the Khelo India Games and won gold medals in 60 kg, 66 kg and 69 kg categories. What is your most special achievement so far?

Yes, I have won gold medals in all three Khelo India Games. However, speaking of special achievements, the World Championship was the most special one because while we had an Asian Championship in 2019, I wasn't keeping well and because of that I wasn't able to perform well and could only win a bronze medal. I was pretty upset that I could only bag a bronze medal for my country when I was totally capable of winning the gold. Nevertheless, up till now the most special of my achievements were the Youth World Championship only.

How big of a role does mental health play in a boxer's life?

Mental health plays a very important role in a boxer's life. You can’t do anything without being mentally strong and a boxer has to learn both winning and losing. It’s a lot more difficult to remain strong when you lose but it’s more important because the challenges increase. We have to improve our level, train harder so mental health plays a very important role. 

Who are the Boxers you look up to as your idols?

I don’t have other boxers as idols because I believe that if I see someone’s struggle in front of my eyes, I consider them my inspiration and role model. I have heard of other boxers but I have seen the struggle of my parents and coach in front of my eyes which is why my inspiration is my father because he has struggled a lot and continues to do so to this day. He has complete faith that the struggles he is going through today will lead to a big accomplishment in the future and I share his mentality. 

arundhati-after-winning-the-final_0TsB3et My goal is to win a gold medal at the World Boxing Championship

What are you next looking forward to? How do you feel about being selected for the senior training camp in Pune? 

I’m very happy about my selection in Pune because I’m getting the chance to work alongside renowned players such as Mary Kom and Lovlina because I’ll get to learn their techniques and make improvements on my mistakes with their guidance. My target is to get selected for the World Championships which will be held later this year and win a gold medal for our country. 

Any message for the youngsters, especially girls who aspire to have a career in boxing?

Discipline is extremely important for boxers along with determination and dedication. Without the desire to win it’s impossible to be competitive in this sport. Discipline is also fundamental because without maintaining a proper diet and getting adequate rest, it will be impossible to achieve anything. It’s important to have the 3D’s which stand for discipline, determination and dedication.

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