Minakshi Hooda (Pic credit: World Boxing) NEW DELHI: Fresh from her golden triumph at the World Boxing Championships in Liverpool, newly-crowned 48kg world champion Minakshi Hooda spoke to TOI, reflecting on the sensational final against Kazakhstan’s Nazym Kyzaibay, the crucial changes she made to sharpen her game after past setbacks and her plan to shift to the 50kg category with eyes set on Olympic and Asian Games success. Excerpts…Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!You won by 5-0 margins till the final, which was a tough affair. Tell us about that bout, especially the third round?Going into the final, I knew I was facing an Olympic medallist. But I didn’t let that weigh on me. I reminded myself that I had nothing to lose — the only option was to give it my all. That mindset helped me stay fearless. The first two rounds were close, but I managed to pull ahead in the third round. The change was in my mindset. I knew my opponent was a very experienced counter-puncher, but I upped my aggression level and fought the final round on my terms. That helped me win.You lost to the same rival just three months back in Astana. Was revenge on your mind?That bout in Astana was really close, it was 3-2 in her favour. Honestly, since she was a Kazakh boxer competing at home, the crowd support played a big role. The loss in the final in Astana was on my mind, and I wanted to avenge my defeat.What changes did you make coming into the world championships?After returning from Astana, I put in a lot of work — on my aggression, power and footwork. By the time I reached the final in Liverpool, my mindset was very clear: I had nothing to lose. I could only win and gain by going all out, playing aggressively and putting full power behind my punches. That’s what made the difference.You are participating in the 48kg weight division, a nonOlympic category. Do you have plans to move to the 50kg keeping the Olympics in mind?Of course, Olympics and Asian Games are big goals for me. For that, I’ll definitely have to fight in the 50kg category. But I don’t want to completely leave 48kg just yet. 48kg was included in the Commonwealth Games earlier, If you recall, Mary Kom didi used to compete in that category. Even Nitu (Ghanghas) won world-level medals in the 48kg category. If it comes back (at the Olympic level), I’d love that, but right now, we just have to go up to the 50kg division.
