Nagpur’s Alfiya sets sights on Olympic glory after Asian silver

Nagpur: Riding high on her silver-medal triumph at the ASBC Asian Elite Boxing Championships in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, Nagpur’s rising boxing star Alfiya Tarannum Khan Pathan is already planning her next big leap, targeting podium finishes at World Cups and the Olympics.

In a bold and calculated move, the former Youth World Champion has decided to transition from her regular 80+ kg division to the 75 kg Olympic weight category, aligning her ambitions with global competitive platforms. “I have been competing in the 80+ kg category for quite some time, but it is not part of the Olympics or World Cups. To achieve my dream, I must compete where it matters,” Alfiya said, while talking to a local daily on Friday.

Confident about managing the transition, Alfiya added that weight adjustment would not pose a major challenge. “Handling weight fluctuations is something I’m comfortable with. Dropping a few kilos won’t be difficult,” she remarked, signalling her readiness for the shift from the upcoming season.

Reflecting on her final bout in Mongolia against Kazakhstan’s Dina Islambekova, Alfiya acknowledged the fierce challenge. “She had tremendous punching power, that made the difference. However, in terms of training systems, I believe India’s approach is far more structured and refined,” she noted, also highlighting the challenges of adapting to different environments and conditions.

Alfiya credits much of her development to the Sports Authority of India’s National Centre of Excellence in Rohtak, which she describes as the backbone of Indian boxing. “Nagpur and Maharashtra lack top-level sparring partners in heavyweight categories. In Rohtak, you train alongside national champions, it pushes you to elevate your game,” she said.

Interestingly, Alfiya follows a unique mental preparation routine. Instead of conventional pre-bout intensity drills, she turns inward. “After warming up, I prefer to meditate. It helps me stay calm, focused, and mentally present, clearing out unnecessary thoughts before stepping into the ring,” she explained.

Beyond the ring, Alfiya balances her sporting career with her role as a Ticket Collector with Central Railway. She is also planning to pursue a Master’s degree in Psychology from Indira Gandhi National Open University, reflecting her commitment to both physical and mental excellence.

With her eyes firmly set on global glory, the Nagpur pugilist will return to the Rohtak training camp on April 25 to begin preparations for the upcoming World Boxing Championships scheduled in September.

From Asian silver to Olympic ambition, Alfiya’s journey is now entering a defining phase, one that could place Nagpur firmly on the world boxing map.

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