All our girls are eyeing gold medals: Boxing coach Nieva

India boxing coach Santiago Nieva

Every Indian woman boxer heading to the Commonwealth Games has the ability to win gold, head coach Santiago Nieva said, expressing confidence that the team can better its medal haul from the previous edition in Birmingham (three medals, including two golds).

The upcoming edition of the Commonwealth Games begins on July 23 in Glasgow, with the pugilists in action from July 24 onwards.

The Indian women pugilists have enjoyed a successful run on the international circuit over the past year, winning medals at the World Cups, World Championships as well as Asian Championships.

"We know we have a strong team. And we have set a high bar with expectations to do our best.

"If we look at the [recent] results, most of our women boxers have won gold or maybe silver in major tournaments. So we know that every one of them is capable of winning gold," said Nieva.

Indian women returned with three medals from the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Nikhat Zareen and Nitu Ghanghas won gold, while Jaismine Lamboria claimed bronze.

Tokyo Olympic bronze-medallist Lovlina Borgohain will be chasing the only major medal missing from her collection when she enters the ring in Glasgow - her third Commonwealth Games.

Since moving up to the 75kg weight class, Lovlina has seen a drop in performance, barring her world championship title at home and Asian Games silver in 2023.

The veteran coach said the focus has been on sharpening specific aspects of the former world champion's attacking game.

"One thing [we have worked on] is her offensive boxing, how to cut off the ring better and control the centre of the ring, and how to better exploit mainly the right hand. She has a very good jab to the body, but the right hand to the body from long distance also gives her another variation to score from outside," said Nieva.

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No. of medals won by India's women boxers at CWG 2022

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