In a historic achievement for Maharashtra's boxing scene, star pugilist Alfiya Pathan from Nagpur has clinched a gold medal at the prestigious Elite National Boxing Championship. The event was held at Gautam Buddha University in Noida from January 4 to 10.
A Dominant Path to Victory
Representing Indian Railways, Alfiya displayed sheer dominance in the 80+ kg weight category. She faced Manjit Kaur of Punjab in the final and secured a commanding 5-0 victory, not conceding a single point to her opponent. This win marks her as the first boxer from Maharashtra to ever win a gold medal in the senior section of this elite national tournament.
An Unstoppable Campaign in Noida
Alfiya's journey to the gold medal was marked by a series of powerful performances. She began her campaign with a swift victory over Odisha's Shyama in the opening round, which was stopped by the referee (RSC). Her momentum continued unabated into the quarterfinals, where she defeated Delhi's Shivani with another clean 5-0 scoreline.
The semifinal saw an identical result, with Alfiya making light work of Ritika from Haryana. Carrying this winning form into the championship bout, she overpowered Manjit Kaur to claim the elusive top prize.
Credit to Coaches and a Homecoming Celebration
The champion boxer, who is an employee of Central Railway, attributed her success to the guidance of her coaches. She specifically thanked coaches Ganesh Purohit, Girish Pawar, and Central Railway's coach Manoj Kumar. In her early years, Alfiya trained under Ganesh Purohit at the Mankapur Sports Complex in Nagpur.
Upon her return to Nagpur on Sunday, Alfiya was warmly welcomed and congratulated by members of the Nagpur District and Nagpur City Boxing Association. The association extended their best wishes for her future endeavors in the sport.
This landmark victory not only brings glory to Alfiya Pathan and Nagpur but also puts Maharashtra firmly on the map of Indian boxing's senior elite circuit. Her flawless performance is a testament to her rigorous training and dedication, promising a bright future for Indian boxing on the international stage.
