Pooja Rani bohra : The Resilient Warrior of Indian Boxing

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Pooja Rani Bohra is a name that resonates with grit, perseverance, and excellence in Indian boxing. An Olympian, an Asian Games medalist, and a two-time Asian Champion, Pooja has carved her niche in a sport often dominated by men. Hailing from Bhiwani, Haryana, a region known as the “Cradle of Indian Boxing,” she has fought societal barriers, injuries, and tough opponents to emerge as one of India’s finest boxers.

Beyond the ring, Pooja serves as an Income Tax Inspector, demonstrating her commitment to both sports and national service. She is also a Bhim Awardee, Haryana’s highest sports honor, recognizing her immense contributions to Indian boxing.

Early Life and Struggles

Born on 17 February 1991, Pooja’s journey was far from easy. Coming from a conservative background, she faced resistance from her family when she chose boxing as her career. Her father initially opposed her decision, fearing the challenges of a male-dominated sport.

Despite the hurdles, Pooja found unwavering support in her coach, Sanjeev Kumar, who encouraged her to pursue the sport professionally. Overcoming financial constraints and social restrictions, she worked relentlessly to prove herself in the ring.

Rise to Glory: A Career of Triumphs

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🥊 National Champion – 8 Times (Including 2023)

Pooja Rani is an eight-time National Champion, a testament to her dominance in Indian boxing. Her ability to consistently outperform opponents over the years showcases her skill, adaptability, and endurance in the sport.

🏆 Asian Boxing Championships (2012, 2015, 2019, 2021)

• 2012 – Silver Medal (75 kg middleweight category)
• 2015 – Bronze Medal
• 2019 – Gold Medal (First Indian woman to win in her weight category)
• 2021 – Gold Medal (Defended her title successfully)

Her back-to-back gold medals at the 2019 and 2021 Asian Championships cemented her reputation as one of India’s greatest middleweight boxers.

🥉 Asian Games 2014 – Bronze Medal

Pooja added another accolade to her name by securing a bronze medal at the 2014 Asian Games, proving her mettle against top international contenders.

🥇 South Asian Games 2016 – Gold Medal

She further strengthened her legacy by winning a gold medal at the 2016 South Asian Games, dominating the regional competition.

Olympics Journey – Tokyo 2020

Pooja Rani’s hard work and perseverance earned her a spot at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, making her one of India’s few female boxers to qualify for the grandest sporting event.

• Round of 16: Defeated Ichrak Chaib (Algeria) 5-0 in a dominant display of technique and power.
• Quarterfinals: Faced Li Qian (China), an Olympic medalist and world champion. Despite a strong fight, she lost, missing out on a medal.

Though she didn’t reach the podium, her Olympic journey was a milestone in her career, inspiring countless young athletes in India.

Challenges and Comeback

Pooja’s career has been marked by struggles, particularly a shoulder injury in 2016 that sidelined her for over a year. Many thought it would be the end of her career, but she made a stunning comeback, winning the Asian Championship gold in 2019.

Her resilience in the face of adversity has made her a role model for aspiring boxers, proving that setbacks are just stepping stones to greater success.

Beyond Boxing: Service and Recognition

Pooja Rani’s contributions extend beyond the ring. She serves as an Income Tax Inspector, balancing her professional career with her passion for boxing. Her achievements have been recognized with the Bhim Award, Haryana’s highest sports honor, celebrating her exceptional contributions to Indian sports.

Legacy and Impact

Pooja Rani is more than just a champion boxer—she is an inspiration for young girls across India who dream of making it big in sports. She has broken stereotypes, defied societal expectations, and established herself as a true warrior of Indian boxing.

Her journey teaches us that dreams are achievable with determination, discipline, and the courage to fight against all odds.

Conclusion

From a small-town girl fighting social barriers to becoming an Olympian, Asian Champion, and National Champion, Pooja Rani’s story is one of passion, resilience, and success. With her eyes set on future competitions, she continues to make India proud, paving the way for the next generation of female boxers.

Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, and as she moves forward, the world watches in admiration, waiting for her next big victory.

Article Written By

Full Stack Developer and 5-Time World Record Holder, Grandmaster Bikram Sutradhar

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