From Rejection to Redemption: Jyoti Gulia’s World Cup Boxing Golden Strike

New Delhi: India’s campaign at 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 win the country’s only gold medal.Competing in the 48kg category, Jyoti defeated Mexico’s Fatima Herrera in a hard-fought semi-final and produced a dominant performance in the final, defeating Uzbekistan’s Farzona Fozilova – Brazil’s reigning World Boxing Cup champion – by a 5-0 unanimous decision. The victory not only underscored her growing stature on the international stage, but also demonstrated her resilience after a period of uncertainty and missed opportunities.In an interview with TOIJyoti spoke about her golden run in China, her plans to move back into the 51kg category, the challenges she faced when she was initially denied entry to the competition and the unwavering support of her family and coaches.Congratulations on winning India’s only gold medal at the World Boxing Cup in China. how are you feelingJyoti: I feel very happy, confident and motivated. Winning the gold medal boosted my self-belief and gave me a lot of confidence for the next competitions.In this tournament you competed in the category up to 48 kg…Jyoti: I am primarily a 51kg boxer. I only competed in the 48kg category at this particular tournament because my weight had dropped and I wanted to make sure I could participate.So was the move to 48kg only temporary?Jyoti: Yes, absolutely. It was just for this tournament. I am now focused on returning to the 51kg category and competing at the National Championship in this division.Does the possibility that 48kg is not an Olympic category affect your decision?Jyoti: Yes, that is definitely one of the reasons. My long-term focus is on 51kg as it aligns with my future goals and Olympic aspirations.How are you doing with the preparation and the menu in the last few weeks?Jyoti: My diet was very strict. I’ve been eating cooked vegetables and fruit for breakfast for the past few weeks. The training has been consistent and I feel very strong physically.Are you worried about mental fatigue after such an intense period?Jyoti: There are always challenges, but mentally I feel strong, focused and ready for the next phase.What are your plans for the upcoming national championship?Jyoti: I will compete in the category up to 51 kg. I now have enough time to recover my strength and properly prepare for the national team.What are your long-term goals beyond the national championship?Jyoti: My immediate focus is on 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 category up to 51 kg.There was a time when your name was not approved for the 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 the time. I was just trying to understand what happened.How did you overcome that disappointment?Jyoti: I spoke to Ajay Singh sir. He told me to keep training and assured me that I would get another opportunity. He fully supported me and made sure that everything was arranged for the competition.And you finally repaid that faith with a gold medal?Jyoti: Yes, sir. I promised him that if I got the chance I would bring a gold medal and I did. Did this failure become a motivation for you?Jyoti: Absolutely. I had a strong hunger inside me because I wasn’t getting opportunities. I just needed one chance to prove myself.What was going through your head during the final against Farzona Fozilová?Jyoti: I had only one thought – to win at any cost. After winning the first round 5-0, I didn’t want the match to slip away. I completely pushed myself and was able to win all the rounds decisively.Does politics and administration in sport affect athletes like you?Jyoti: Yes, they sometimes affect preparation and opportunities. But I try to focus only on what I can influence – my performance and training.Who has been your biggest support system during this journey?Jyoti: My family – mother, father and brother – have been my biggest support. My coaches and academy have also played a huge role in my development.Did your family support you when you first started boxing?Jyoti: Not at first. In 2012, it was not common for girls in my village to take up boxing. My father and many relatives were against this idea.So who stood by you?Jyoti: My mother does. She quietly allowed me to go to training even though the others were against it. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her support.Where do you usually train?Jyoti: Mostly in my hometown. When I am not at the national camp, I train there or at SAI centers like Rohtak.You and fellow boxer Minakshi Hooda often train together. Will the in-ring friendship turn into a rivalry?Jyoti: Yes, we are rivals inside the ring, but we are very good friends outside. Sometimes she wins and sometimes I win. That’s the beauty of sports.Finally, what message would you like 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 me and believed in me. Their encouragement means a lot.