Gitika Narwal may have won the gold medal at the AIBA Youth World Championships, but her most impressive victories so far are the innumerable obstacles the boxer from Haryana has overcome to pave her journey to glory. For a boxer that trained with a punching bag hanging from a tree, Gitika has impressed the world with her brilliant technique and precision to overcome her opponents.
In an exclusive interview with SPOGO, the gold medallist in the 48 kg light fly category spoke about her introduction to boxing, the most important figure in her journey so far, the boxer she idolized growing up, facing Natalia Dominika in Poland, the challenges she has overcome, training from home and her message to girls aspiring to take up boxing professionally.
Q 1) When were you first introduced to boxing and what motivated you to take up the sport professionally?
Ans: I started boxing in the year 2015 and despite not having much knowledge about the sport, I learnt the nuances of the game. I used to watch Mary Kom and Muhammad Ali’s fights on the phone which inspired me to become a boxer like them and make my country proud. I have a passion for boxing and winning at the sport which is why my coach pushed me to my limits and helped me be where I am today.
Q 2) From practicing on a punching bag hanging on a tree to winning gold at International tournaments, you have come a long way. Who are the people who have helped you in your journey so far?
Ans: It’s true that I used to practice boxing on a punching bag hanging on a tree because I did not have access to facilities. My coach, who is the most important person in my career so far, has led me to where I am today. He also recommended that I hang my punching bag on a tree simply because that was the only way I could train.
Q 3) Which are some of the boxers you idolized when you were growing up?
Ans: I admire Mary Kom and used to watch her fights on my phone. Ever since I have been interested in boxing, I have idolized Mary Kom and she has inspired me to be where I am today.
Q 4) You had a dominant 5-0 against Natalia Dominika of Poland in the AIBA Youth World Championships. Who are the toughest contenders you have ever faced?
Ans: Poland’s Natalia Dominika at the AIBA Youth World Championships was the toughest opponent I have faced so far. I may have won 5-0 but that was also because I was relentlessly attacking her without giving her an opportunity to fight back. If I would have eased off, who knows if I would have won, especially by such a margin?
Q 5) What are the challenges that you faced in becoming a professional boxer? How did you overcome them?
Ans: I did not have boxing gloves or other training equipment. Nevertheless, I worked really hard and trained three times in a day, as I was determined to earn a name for my village and my country someday so yes I had to put in a lot of effort for all this.
Q 7) How have you been preparing with the COVID-19 restrictions? What is your exercise regime?
Ans: Ever since the lockdown has begun, I've been training at my home due to the pandemic. I have a younger sister who is into wrestling so I train with her everyday.
Q 8) Which is your proudest accomplishment in your career so far?
Ans: Winning the gold medal at the AIBA Youth Championship in Poland is my proudest accomplishment so far.
Q 9) Is there any message you would like to convey to girls who aspire to be boxers?
Ans: The message I would like to convey is that girls are now provided with the right support from the federation, society and their families therefore they should actively take up the sport of boxing.
