ANDREA FERNANDES
GUIRIM: In Guirim lives a 16-year- old, Aashreya Naik who has made a commendable mark for herself in the boxing arena. Aashreya has been selected to represent India at a prestigious international boxing tournament, the Black Forest Cup at Germany that will be held from June 21 to 28.
She will be practising at the National Boxing Academy at Rothak, Haryana sponsored by the Sports Authority of India (SAI).
Aashreya grew up in a boxing family, inheriting her father’s physical skills and absorbing his endless boxing lessons from the age of ten years. Her father, Dinesh was a boxer and fought few bouts after joining the Army. Her elder brother, Gopal is a boxer as well.
While speaking to Herald Aashreya spoke of her love and commitment for the game. “I have gained a lot of confidence and became fearless over the last few years. I will try my level best to put up a good performance at the Black Forest Cup at Germany,” she said.
Despite opposition from her mother, Dinesh through his sheer determination did whatever it took to make his daughter a successful boxer. He is very upset with the treatment received from the State government and they are not receiving much support.
“My incomplete wish of becoming an international boxer will be completed when I see my child represent India. This is her second representation at the international level. My mission is that she should participate at the Junior Olympics and get a medal this year,” expressed Dinesh.
“Despite my daughter doing well we are not getting any support from the State government. She got a silver medal at an international boxing tournament but has not received any cash prize as yet. Boxers from other states get lakhs of rupees from their government who come forwards and support them. If things go on like this I will see that my daughter plays only for Haryana,” stated Dinesh, a former Army officer who served at Signals.
The Secretary of Goa Boxing Association, Danuska Da Gama stated that Goa is doing well in boxing and this year they hope to have many national medallists.
“We have high hopes from Aashreya as she had earlier won a silver medal in the 63 kgs category at her last representation at the 13th Poland International boxing championship,” said Danuska.
