The temperament of the girls in Bhopal is changing. Now they are actively participating in games, which were hitherto considered to be solely men’s. If you visit city's TT Nagar stadium, you can see for yourself that girls are seeking to make a career even in a game like boxing.
The rise in appeal for this game among girls is evident. Most of these girls belong to 12 to 22-year age group. Seven girls receive training daily at Bhopal's Sports Authority of India(SAI) and another about 52 at the State government's stadium.
Senior boxing coach Jaiveer Singh says, " Earlier girls believed that it was a men's sport and kept away from it out of fear of sustaining injury on nose or face. But their outlook has changed. Now parents themselves encourage their daughters to get enrolled for training."
These girls have won five medals for the State at the national level. Many lady coaches have also come forward to promote the girls in this field. Coach Amanpreet Kaur says that earlier girls used to hesitate to enter this field. There was fear and uncertainty in their mind. A lady coach was needed to help them overcome their timidity. Sports and Youth Welfare Department Coach Roshan says, "Today even young girls are coming to obtain training.
Seeing their dedication and enthusiasm one feels proud." Class tenth student Jhankar Chaddha says, " I was interested in games from childhood. I wanted to establish a separate identity of my own. I found no game better than this." Cinderella Martin also studies in tenth class, and her dream is to emulate Laila Ali. She says, " The game automatically becomes easy for you once you are able to get rid of your fear. Then you can dominate your opponent." The objective of most of the girls obtaining training here is to emulate the feat of Manipur boxer Mary Kom, that is to become a world champion thrice.
Jaiveer Singh says that the facilities being provided by the government have also attracted more girls. SAI provides monthly stipend of Rs 600 to trainees besides free training kit.
According to Singh, most of the girls taking to boxing come from middle-class families. The find their future safe in this game. They feel that they can not only earn a name but also make enough money. These girls want to earn fame in a game in which a mere entry is an achievement. Seeing their self-confidence, it looks possible.
