Veteran boxing coach Blas Iglesias Fernandes is optimistic about India's chances at the upcoming Paris Olympics, particularly with Nikhat Zareen in the women's bantamweight division (50kg).
Fernandes, a renowned figure in Indian boxing, recently returned as a high-performance coach. He believes Zareen's intelligence and ring strategy make her a strong medal contender. "It's time for Nikhat to prove herself," he emphasized, acknowledging her past training under Mary Kom.
While Zareen seems on track, Fernandes sees a need for Lovlina Borgohain (75kg) to find her aggressive edge. He feels Lovlina's recent struggles stem from a lack of offensive approach. "If she can box to her potential, she can win a medal in Paris," he asserted.
Both Zareen and Borgohain are among the four Indian women boxers who secured their spots in Paris. Preeti Pawar (54kg) and Parveen Hooda (57kg) also qualified, with Borgohain aiming to improve upon her Tokyo Olympics bronze medal.
Looking ahead to the men's division, Fernandes expressed hope for Nishant Dev and Amit Panghal to clinch their spots in the upcoming qualifiers. He acknowledged the tougher competition for men compared to women's boxing but believes they have the potential to break through.
Fernandes' guidance and the boxers' determination paint a promising picture for Indian boxing's prospects at the Paris Olympics.
