From rejection to redemption: Jyoti Gulia’s golden fist at the Boxing World Cup | Boxing news

New Delhi: India’s campaign in the World Boxing Cup 2 in Guiyang, China ended with six medals – one gold, three silver and two bronze. The brightest moment of the tournament came from Haryana boxer Jyoti Gulia, who put up a sensational performance to claim the country’s only gold medal.Competing in the 48kg category, Jyoti defeated Mexico’s Fatima Herrera in a hard-fought semi-final before producing a dominant display in the final, defeating Uzbekistan’s Farzona Fozilova – the reigning Boxing World Cup champion in Brazil – by a 5-0 unanimous decision. The victory not only underscored their growing stature on the international stage, but also showed their resilience after a period of uncertainty and missed opportunities.In a conversation with YOUJyoti spoke about her gold rush in China, her plans to return to the 51kg category, the challenges she faced when she was initially denied entry to a competition, and the unwavering support of her family and coaches.Congratulations for winning India’s only gold medal in the World Boxing Cup in China. How are you feeling?Jyoti: I feel very happy, confident and motivated. Winning the gold medal strengthened my belief in myself and gave me a lot of confidence for the competitions ahead.You participated in the 48 kg category in this tournament…Jyoti: I am mainly a 51 kg boxer. I competed in the 48 kg category only for this particular tournament because my weight was down, and I wanted to make sure I could participate.So, was the move to 48kg just temporary?Jyoti: Yes, absolutely. It was just for this tournament. My focus now is to return firmly to the 51kg category and compete in the National Championships in that division.Does the possibility of 48kg not being an Olympic category influence your decision?Jyoti: Yes, this is definitely one of the reasons. My long term focus is on 51kg as it aligns with my future goals and Olympic aspirations.How has your preparation and diet been in recent weeks?Jyoti: My diet was very strict. For the past few weeks, I have been eating boiled vegetables and fruits for breakfast. The training has been consistent, and physically I feel very strong.Any worries about mental fatigue after such an intense period?Jyoti: There are still challenges, but mentally I feel strong, focused and ready for the next phase.What are your plans for the next National Championships?Jyoti: I will compete in the 51 kg category. I have enough time now to rebuild my strength and prepare properly for Nationals.What are your long-term goals beyond the National Championships?Jyoti: My immediate focus is the Nationals. After that, I want to perform well in the World Championship qualifiers, which are also Olympic qualifiers. My goal is to succeed in the 51 kg category.There was a time when your name was not sanctioned for a contest. How difficult was that phase?Jyoti: It was very demotivating. I was fully prepared, and then suddenly they told us we couldn’t go. I didn’t talk to anyone at that time. I was just trying to figure out what had happened.How to overcome this disappointment?Jyoti: I spoke to Ajay Singh sir. He told me to continue training and assured me that I would have another opportunity. He supported me completely and made sure everything was ready for the competition.And did you eventually repay that faith with a gold medal?Jyoti: yes, sir, I had promised him that if I had the chance, I would wear the gold medal, and I did. Has this encounter become a source of motivation for you?Jyoti: Absolutely. I had a strong hunger in me because I had no opportunities. I just needed a chance to prove myself.What was going through your mind during the final against Farzona Fozilova?Jyoti: I had only one thought – to win at any cost. After winning the first round 5-0, he didn’t want the match to slip away. I pushed myself completely and managed to win all the rounds decisively.Do politics and administrative issues in sports affect athletes like you?Jyoti: Yes, sometimes they affect preparation and opportunity. But I try to focus only on what I can control – my performance and my training.Who has been your biggest support system throughout this journey?Jyoti: My family – my mother, father and brother – have been my biggest support. My coaches and the academy also played a huge role in my development.Was your family supportive when you started boxing?Jyoti: In principle, no. Back in 2012, it was not common for girls in my country to take up boxing. My father and several relatives were against the idea.So what was standing next to you?Jyoti: My mother did. She calmly allowed me to go for training even when others objected. Without their support, I would not be where I am today.Where do you usually train?Jyoti: Especially in my hometown. When I am not in the national camp, I train here or at SAI centers like Rohtak.You and boxer Minakshi Hooda often train together. Does friendship turn into rivalry in the ring?Jyoti: Yes, in the ring we are rivals, but outside we are very good friends. Sometimes she wins, and sometimes I win. That’s the beauty of sports.Finally, what message do you want to give to your supporters?Jyoti: I am focused on improving and giving my best every time I step into the ring. I want to thank everyone who supported and believed in me. Their encouragement means a lot.