Kolkata: Anoop Kumar, former national coach for Indian amateur women boxers, has recently joined the Indian Boxing Council (IBC), the governing body for pro boxing in India, as the head women’s boxing coach, and will join an IBC coaching staff that includes American trainer Joe Clough, who was earlier lashed in by the board. The Dronacharya award winning coach is all set to train pro boxers of the nation.
“I got an opportunity from IBC to help set up their pro boxing ranks in a similar manner to what we did 15 years back for women’s amateur boxing in India. It was no doubt a tough call,” Anoop Kumar announced in a press release sent by IBC.
His primary lookout will be to administer a 30-day national training camp in Rohtak along with Clough. The camp will accentuate 40 women boxers licensed by the IBC and would give a fresh lease from Tuesday.
“A series of discussions and understanding of IBC’s business plan strengthened my belief that this is what Indian boxing as a sport has lacked. In the professional boxing world there cannot be any compromises. Only the best will survive. I am here to be the best and nurture the best,” he added.
Simultaneously, Sarita Devi, a former world champion in the lightweight class who just took to pro boxing, is set to begin her professional stretch in the national camp in Rohtak. Sarita with High held enthusiasm and zeal is all set for the national camp.
“I am excited to gain from the experience of Mr. Clough and his team. Mr. Anoop Kumar has always been a remarkable coach. The facilities at the National Boxing Academy, SAI Centre, Rohtak are excellent, and the training programme prepared by the coaches and IBC is exciting. I can’t hold on to get into the ring as an old hand. I am ready to mask and wash the emotional scars with bruises and blood,” the Manipur-born boxer stated in a press release.
“I have embraced the professional boxing with a purpose. The aim is to get rid of the scars of the past, when I was denied my rights and opportunities. The good thing about the professional world is that you survive on your own might,” she added.
(With inputs from NDTV)