From rejection to redemption. Jyoti Gulia’s golden punch at the World Boxing Cup |: Boxing News

New Delhi: India’s campaign in the World Boxing Cup 2 in Guiyang, China, ended with six medals – one gold, three silver and two bronze. The brightest moment of the tournament came from Haryana boxer Jyoti Gulia, who gave a stunning performance to claim the country’s only gold medal.Competing in the 48kg category, Jyoti defeated Mexico’s Fatima Herrera in a hard-fought semifinal before producing a dominant performance in the final, defeating Uzbekistan’s Farzona Fozilova – the reigning World Boxing Cup Brazil champion – by a unanimous 5-0 decision. The victory not only emphasized his growing stature on the international stage but also showed his resilience after a period of uncertainty and missed opportunities.In a conversation with: TOI:Jyoti talks about her golden run in China, her plans to return to the 51kg category, the challenges she faced when her participation in a competition was initially denied, and the unwavering support of her family and coaches.Congratulations on winning India’s only gold medal at the World Boxing Cup in China. How do you feel?Jyoti: I feel so happy, confident, and motivated. Winning the gold medal strengthened my belief in myself and gave me a lot of confidence for future competitions.You are competing in the 48kg category in this tournament…Jyoti: I am basically a 51kg boxer. I competed in the 48kg category just for this particular tournament because my weight had dropped, and I wanted to make sure I could participate.So, is the move to 48kg temporary?Jyoti: Yes, absolutely. This is only for this tournament. My focus now is to make a strong comeback in the 51kg category and compete in the National Championships in that division.Did the possibility that 48kg is not an Olympic category influence your decision?Jyoti: Yes, that is definitely one of the reasons. My long-term focus is on 51kg as it aligns with my future goals and Olympic aspirations.How have you been preparing and eating in recent weeks?Jyoti: My diet is very strict. For the past few weeks, I have been eating cooked vegetables and fruits for breakfast. The training was steady, and physically I felt very strong.Any worries about mental fatigue after a rough time?Jyoti: There are always challenges, but I think I feel strong, focused and ready for the next phase.What are your plans for the upcoming National Championships?Jyoti: I will compete in the 51kg category. I have enough time now to rebuild my strength and prepare properly for Nationals.What are your long-term goals beyond the National Championships?Jyoti: My immediate focus is Nationals. After that, I want to perform well in the World Championship qualifiers, which are also the Olympic qualifiers. My target is to win the 51kg category.There is a chance that your name is not allowed for a competition. How difficult was that stage?Jyoti: It was very demotivating. I was all set, and then suddenly we were told we couldn’t go. I didn’t talk to anyone at the time. I’m just trying to understand what happened.How do you overcome that frustration?Jyoti: I am talking to Ajay Singh sir. He told me to keep training and assured me that I would get a chance. He supported me completely and made sure everything was arranged for the competition.And you eventually repaid that belief with a gold medal?Jyoti: Yes, sir. I promised him that if I had the chance, I would return the gold medal, and I did. Did that failure become a source of motivation for you?Jyoti: Absolutely. I have a strong hunger inside me because I don’t have a chance. I just need one chance to prove myself.What was on your mind in the final against Farzona Fozilova?Jyoti: I have only one thought – to win at any cost. After winning the first round 5-0, I didn’t want to lose the match. I pushed myself completely and managed to win all the rounds decisively.Do political and administrative issues in sports affect athletes like you?Jyoti: Yes, sometimes it affects preparation and opportunities. But I try to focus only on what I can control – my performance and my training.Who has been your biggest support system throughout this journey?Jyoti: My family – my mother, father and brother – are my biggest support. My coaches and academics also played a big role in my development.Was your family supportive when you started boxing?Jyoti: At first, no. In 2012, it was not common for women in our village to participate in boxing. My father and many relatives were against the idea.Then who stood next to you?Jyoti: My mother did. He quietly allowed me to go to training even though others were against it. Without his support, I would not be where I am today.Where do you usually train?Jyoti: Mostly in my hometown. When I am not at the national camp, I train there or at SAI centers like Rohtak.You and fellow boxer Minakshi Hooda train regularly. Has friendship turned into a fight inside the ring?Jyoti: Yes, inside the ring we are rivals, but outside we are very good friends. Sometimes he wins, and sometimes I win. That’s the beauty of sport.Finally, what message do you want to give to your supporters?Jyoti: I am focused on improving and giving my best every time I step into the ring. I want to thank everyone who supported and believed in me. Their encouragement means a lot.