Vinka is one of India’s most promising youth boxers, having won various honours at both the national and the international level. Despite the odds and challenges Vinka has faced in her journey so far, she has emerged victorious just like her exploits in the boxing ring due to her unwavering focus and determination. She’s truly an inspiration to not just women, but for anyone who wishes to follow their dreams.

In an exclusive interview with SPOGO, Vinka speaks about an accident she suffered at an early age, proving her doubters wrong, the importance of mental resilience, her achievements and goals and aspirations for the future. 

Q1) You suffered 25 stitches after falling from the terrace at a very young age. What motivated you to pursue sports even after the doctors advised you not to?

Ans: When I suffered 25 stitches at a young age, nobody motivated me to play nor was I interested in pursuing it as a profession. Our background is not very good and when my father enrolled me in a school in Panipat, we could not afford the fees. We were told that if I become a national champion then fees would be exempted for me and since my father played his part in getting me admission, I decided to help him by training as a boxer. That’s where my interest grew and unlike a team sport where the results are also dependent on the efforts of your team mates, individual sports like boxing is about your own talent and hardwork. Despite being told women cannot do boxing, I decided to become a professional boxer by any means necessary.

Q2) How difficult was it to pursue your passion for boxing while growing up? How did you overcome those challenges?

Ans: When I started boxing, my family supported me in anything I chose to do, but my relatives and other people in the village could not accept that a girl could participate in boxing. I had odd timings because I would leave at 5 am and would return home by 9:30 pm and it used to bother them that I would come so late. I was afraid that my father would get influenced by what others were saying and stop me from boxing but thankfully he ignored them. In the beginning when I competed in some tournaments, I didn’t win medals and my doubters reiterated that a woman should not participate in boxing and it’s a waste of time. As time went by and I started winning medals, they said that we had such a necessity that even a woman had to participate in boxing and that winning medals in the women’s category was easy and that’s why I was successful. Now that I have started winning at the National and International level, they have become my fans and lifelong supporters. Since I started until now, I’ve had to struggle and it was very difficult for me but now everything is fine. 

Q3) How important of a role has mental resilience played in your journey as a professional boxer?

Ans: Being mentally strong is very important. When I suffered 25 stitches and was advised to never play sports again it was only because of my mental strength and determination to be successful irrespective of my family’s background that I managed to become a professional boxer and prove my doubters wrong.

Q4) You have won numerous awards at the National and International stage. Which is the achievement you are proudest of?

Ans: I’m proud of everything I have achieved so far since I have struggled and worked really very hard for it. I’m the most proud of my Asian and World medals.

Q5) How has COVID-19 impacted your training? How are you preparing for future tournaments?

Ans: We’re facing a lot of trouble due to COVID-19 as we are not able to train under the guidance of our coaches. Boxing, despite being an individual sport, does require a partner and we are not able to train together. We are not able to get equipment and are unable to try new things as you never know we might not do it properly and it in turn causes injuries or any other problems. We are strictly following our online training program and taking care of our fitness. We are continuously practicing and training for the skills we have already learned so we can improve them even more for the future.

Q6) What are your goals and aspirations for the future?

Ans: All I want is to continue to perform like this, step by step, even in the senior category. I’m also looking forward to performing well in the Commonwealth Games 2022. I want to represent India in the 2024 Olympics and win a medal for my country.