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 delivered 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 semifinal before producing a dominant display in the final, beating Uzbekistan’s Farzona Fozilova – the reigning World Boxing Cup Brazil champion – by a unanimous 5-0 decision. The victory not only underlined her growing stature on the international stage but also showcased her resilience after a period of uncertainty and missed opportunities.In a conversation with TOI, Jyoti spoke about her golden run in China, her plans to move back to the 51kg category, the challenges she faced when her participation in a competition was initially denied, 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 feeling?Jyoti: I am feeling very happy, confident, and motivated. Winning the gold medal has strengthened my belief in myself and given me a lot of confidence for the competitions ahead.You competed in 48kg category in this tournament…Jyoti: I am primarily a 51kg boxer. I competed in the 48kg category only for this particular tournament because my weight had dropped, and I wanted to ensure that I could participate.So, was the move to 48kg only temporary?Jyoti: Yes, absolutely. It was only for this tournament. My focus now is to return strongly 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, that is definitely one of the reasons. My long-term focus is on 51kg because it aligns with my future goals and Olympic aspirations.How has your preparation and diet been in recent weeks?Jyoti: My diet has been very strict. For the past few weeks, I have been eating boiled vegetables and fruits for breakfast. Training has been consistent, and physically I feel very strong.Any concerns 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 Championships?Jyoti: I will compete in the 51kg category. I have enough time now to rebuild my strength and prepare properly for the 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 target is to succeed in the 51kg category.There was a time when your name was not sanctioned for a competition. How difficult was that phase?Jyoti: It was very demotivating. I was fully prepared, and then suddenly we were told that we could not go. I did not talk to anyone at that time. I was simply trying to understand what had happened.How did you overcome that disappointment?Jyoti: I spoke to Ajay Singh sir. He told me to continue training and assured me that I would get another opportunity. He supported me completely and made sure everything was arranged for the competition.And you eventually repaid that faith with a gold medal?Jyoti: Yes, sir. I had promised him that if I got a chance, I would bring back the gold medal, and I did. Did that setback become a source of 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 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, I did not 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 do affect preparation and opportunities. 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 academy have also played a huge role in my development.Was your family supportive when you first started boxing?Jyoti: Initially, no. Back in 2012, it was not common for girls in my village to take up boxing. My father and many relatives were against the idea.Then who stood by you?Jyoti: My mother did. She quietly allowed me to go for training even when others opposed it. Without her support, I would not be where I am today.Where do you usually train?Jyoti: Mostly in my hometown. When I am not in the national camp, I train there or at SAI centres such as Rohtak.You and fellow boxer Minakshi Hooda often train together. Does friendship turn into rivalry inside the ring?Jyoti: Yes, inside the ring we are rivals, but outside we are very good friends. Sometimes she wins, and sometimes I win. That is the beauty of sport.Finally, what message would you like to give 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 has supported and believed in me. Their encouragement means a lot.
