In a recent episode of the Sportstar Podcast, former senior women’s boxing coach Bhaskar Bhatt provided an in-depth analysis of India’s journey to the 2024 Paris Olympics and the nation’s prospects at the Summer Games. Hosted by Nihit Sachdeva, Bhatt was joined by senior colleagues Y.B. Sarangi and Jonathan Selvaraj.
India’s Qualification Journey
The discussion kicked off with Bhatt reflecting on India’s qualification process. “India clinched four quotas at the Hangzhou Asian Games—Nikhat Zareen, Parveen Hooda, Lovlina Borgohain, and Preeti Pawar. However, Parveen’s suspension for whereabouts failure was a significant setback,” Bhaskar Bhatt noted. The loss of Parveen’s quota was particularly impactful, as she was considered a medal prospect.
Challenges in Preparation
Sarangi raised concerns about the handling of the whereabouts failure, questioning if it could have been managed better. Bhatt acknowledged the communication gaps and stressed the importance of taking the whereabouts matter seriously to avoid such issues in the future.
Bhaskar Bhatt also addressed the pressure faced by the men’s team as the final qualifier approached, noting that every boxer aspires to compete in the Olympics, adding stress to the preparation process.
Performance and Prospects
Bhaskar Bhatt praised Jaismine Lamboria’s determination after switching from the 60kg to the 57kg category, stating, “She prepared herself to bag the quota no matter what.” He highlighted her experience and confidence as key factors in her success.
Reflecting on Nishant Dev’s performance, Bhaskar Bhatt remarked, “In the last two years, Nishant has improved in every competition. His game, ring craft, and strategy have all strengthened, making him a bright prospect for the future.”
The podcast also delved into Amit Panghal’s journey. Despite a setback at the Tokyo Olympics, Amit Panghal’s recent performance and mental resilience were highlighted. Bhaskar Bhatt expressed confidence in Amit Panghal’s potential for a gold medal in Paris.
Comparison with Tokyo Squad
The panel discussed the quality of the current squad compared to the Tokyo Olympics. Bhaskar Bhatt emphasized that despite having fewer boxers, the current squad has strong medal contenders, particularly among the women. “Last time we had one medal; this time, I believe we are contenders for two to three gold medals,” he said.
Selvaraj and Sarangi agreed that while the men’s team faced challenges, the women’s team, featuring multiple World Championship gold medallists, looked promising. “Compared to Tokyo, even though we have fewer qualifiers, the chances of winning medals are higher,” Sarangi noted.
Future of Boxing in the Olympics
The podcast concluded with a discussion on the future of boxing at the Olympics amid the controversy between the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Boxing Association (IBA). Bhaskar Bhatt and Selvaraj highlighted the significance of India joining World Boxing to secure the sport’s future at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. Sarangi pointed out the necessity of balancing relations with both IBA and World Boxing to ensure opportunities for budding boxers.
Bhaskar Bhatt expressed optimism, stating, “Whether it is World Boxing or IBA, boxing will continue to exist. Our boxers are preparing with the dream of winning medals at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.”
The detailed insights and analysis provided by Bhaskar Bhatt and the panel underscore the complexities and challenges faced by Indian boxing on the road to the Paris Olympics, highlighting both the achievements and the hurdles yet to be overcome.
