Six girls from Haryana won big at the World Youth Women Boxing Championship held between 19 and 26 November in Guwahati. The girls, who took home gold and bronze medals, were in for a surprise upon their return.
Jyoti of Rohtak and Shashi of Hisar, Neetu and Sakshi of Haryana’s Bhiwani won gold medals each, while Neha of Kaithal and Anupama of Palwal won bronze medals in various categories. The championship, which debuted in India this year, witnessed the participation of nearly 200 players from over 30 countries.
All four gold medalists and two bronze medalists of World Youth Women Boxing Championship will be rewarded with one Indian breed cow each. With the milk of these cows they will play better and remain strong.Haryana agriculture minister OP Dhankar told ANI
“(Unlike buffalo’s milk) cow’s milk contains less fat and is beneficial for boxers… a cow is very active, while a buffalo sleeps most of the time,” Dhankar told The Indian Express.
Announcing the unusual reward for the boxers’ victory at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) boxing academy in Rohtak, said the girls deserved something unique for their feat than mere monetary rewards, Hindustan Times reported. Dhankar said the cows would be delivered to the girls soon. He told The Indian Express:
Haryana main kehte hain, haanga chahiye toh bhains ka doodh, aur khoobsarti aur dimag chahiye, toh gai ka doodh (They say in Haryana that if you want power, drink buffalo milk; and if you want beauty and brains, drink cow’s milk). These boxers have done the country proud at the world level and we want them to excel more.
Assam’s Ankushita Boro, who showed her prowess as she clinched the fifth gold bout against Russia's Ekaterina Dynnik in the 64kg final, earlier told DNA about her victory. "I am feeling great to have won gold and I thank everyone for their continuous support," reported. “I waited for this particular day for quite a long time; we have been practicing for more than 6 months. Finally I could secure a gold and best boxer award, I am feeling really proud to have able to bring five gold medals for India. I thankful to all, especially the crowd who supported us continuously. I am really thankful to all,” she was quoted as saying.
(Breathe In, Breathe Out: Are you finding it tough to breathe polluted air? Join hands with FIT in partnership with #MyRightToBreathe to find a solution to pollution. Send in your suggestions to fit@thequint.com or WhatsApp @ +919999008335)
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)