Now Reading: Sakshi Chaudhary wins CWG gold after cutting weight to 51kg
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Sakshi Chaudhary wins CWG gold after cutting weight to 51kg
Sakshi Chaudhary won the women's 51kg boxing gold at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, a little over a month after deciding to drop down from 54kg. The weight cut was a gamble:…
The Story in Brief
Sakshi Chaudhary won the women's 51kg boxing gold at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, a little over a month after deciding to drop down from 54kg. The weight cut was a gamble: Preeti Pawar had already secured India's 54kg berth, forcing Sakshi to challenge a stacked 51kg division that included world champions Nikhat Zareen and Minakshi Hooda.
In high-quality national trials, Sakshi beat Nikhat 4-1 and then defeated Minakshi 5-0 to earn her place. Coach Chhote Lal Yadav designed a gradual 2kg loss over four weeks, stripping carbohydrates and her favourite churma from her diet. Former coach Bhaskar Bhatt said Sakshi's footwork and punching rhythm were excellent in Glasgow, though she needs to improve close-quarter boxing ahead of the Asian Games.
The Indian Opinion
Indian boxing fans often celebrate only Mary Kom's legacy, but Sakshi's journey shows the depth now in lower weight classes. The narrative that weight cuts inevitably weaken boxers is too simplistic, Sakshi retained her strength through a scientific diet and beat two world champions in trials. The real test comes at the Asian Games, where South Korea, Uzbekistan and China will pose sterner challenges. Can she refine her clinching and elbow work in time?
Source: hindustantimes.com
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