Women force from Telugu-speaking States of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana continues to make a huge impact on Indian sports scenario.
Taking a cue from the big names such as Sania Mirza, Saina Nehwal, Koneru Humpy, Dronavalli Harika Mithali Raj and the like, two teenaged sisters – Gonella Naganika and Gonella Niharika – are on a mission to pack plenty of punches in the boxing ring and carve a niche for themselves in the days to come.
Now in Taiwan to represent India in the AIBVA Women’s Junior and Youth World Boxing Championship in Taipei, they promise to be different from others.
For someone who initially flirted with team sport, what with Niharika playing for Telangana in two handball nationals and five volleyball nationals, they had to switch their passion to individual sport. “Mary Kom (five-time world champion) is our inspiration and we hope to win more medals as our ultimate goal is to represent India in the 2020 Olympics,” say the confident sisters.
Naganika (who just passed out of class X) and Niharika (who finished her ninth standard) had to shift their base from Hyderabad to Visakhapatnam where the SAI Sports Training Centre for women boxing is located
“Yes, because of lack of facilities here, they moved to Vizag. These two can go places because of their talent,” says SAAP consolidated coach Omkar Yadav, with whom they trained for some time when they were students of KV (Ghatkesar) and Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan earlier.
With father G. Sreeram, Vigilance Inspector in Transco, making every effort to see his young champion athletes realise their big dreams, both Naganika (super heavy weight category) and Niharika (70 kg+) are in the mood to make a huge impact.
“We love boxing as it gives you a chance to be on your own. Unlike in a team game, here if you showcase your individual talent and skills, you can keep moving up the ladder,” say the two articulate sisters.
Naganika and Niharika from TS, who will be taking part in the Women’s Junior and Youth World Boxing Championship in Taiwan, hope to represent India in the 2020 Olympics
