Q1 Tell us about yourself and your achievements?
I am Jhalak Tomar, a second-year student pursuing BCom program. I started boxing in the year 2016 and won a bronze medal in my first state tournament.
After a year-long of practice and training, I secured a gold medal at the state level in May 2017, a bronze medal in the National Championship in November 2017, and a silver medal in International Boxing Championship in December 2017. I recently achieved best challenging boxer award in state elite boxing championship and a silver medal in state championship on 3rd October,2021.
Q2. You have been an international-level boxer, so can you tell us how and where did your journey start?
I had an interest in boxing but our school curriculum used to only allow boxing for boys. However, in 2014, girls’ boxing was permitted by CBSE. During that time, I didn’t get proper training and exposure due to the lack of participation of girls in the school tournaments. I joined a boxing academy afterward to get proper coaching.
Q3. Were you always interested in pursuing boxing or did this intrigue you after you started playing?
I have always been in sports. I have played basketball and was eager to learn more about boxing. I was interested in boxing in my school life and given the opportunity, I tried to pursue it further during my school days.
Q4. Boxing is often stereotyped as a male sport. Women, especially young females are pressured to follow societal norms and patriarchal pressure and fight against society and their families, so what is your stand on this? And how has your experience been relating to these stereotypes?
I have often heard and faced these stereotypes. There was a lack of participation of girls in this sport as well. However, in my case family support has been incredible. I am glad that my father supported me in every step of my journey. During my school days, I always had to stand up for myself to prove to everyone. A few of my classmates often used to ridicule me saying that there would be no future in sports and teachers too always had their prime attention on academics.
Although, I used to participate in all my sports events and also had the passion and ambition to make my actions speak for myself.
Q5. Your international boxing tournament was held in Ukraine and you visited a foreign country for the first time, so how was your experience?
Going to Ukraine was a life-changing experience for me, I learned a lot during my journey and was motivated to give my best. I was a little nervous during the day of my tournament but I never felt intimated. My main problem with that country was only the food.
Q6. We have often heard that many parts of India still don’t give recognition to girls and they are deprived of the opportunities. Being a girl from Udaipur, have you ever faced this situation?
I think that there is a big misconception about this. When I was in my junior camp, most of the girls were from Rajasthan, which is mainly considered a backward area in providing opportunities to girls. Coming from a highly supportive family, I never faced this situation. I believe that these small towns and cities have recognized the talent of girls.
Q7. How did you get into fitness and gyming? Were you always interested in it or is it something you were introduced to after you started boxing?
I was always an active person but was never intrigued by maintaining my fitness and keeping my body healthy but after boxing, I started realizing the importance of fitness. Regular exercise also helped me focus and improve my game.
Q8. You have also played state-level basketball, so did you ever consider pursuing that sport further?
While playing basketball during my school life and state level, I realized that it is a team sport where if one person makes a mistake, the whole team suffers. I realized that my biggest strength is playing individually where I am the only one responsible for my mistakes. That is why I was drawn more towards boxing,
Q9. During your journey, did your friends support you?
I actually don’t believe in friendships. In 2016, when I was living in a hostel, I could never distinguish between who is a real friend and who isn’t, so I always maintained space and distance. Moreover, I was so focused on boxing that I never got the time to make friends and hang out. I have a few friends who belong to the same field though.
Q10. What are your future plans? Being a BCom student, do you want to pursue something in the corporate field, or do you want to pursue boxing only?
I am dedicated to pursuing boxing only. I was injured 2 years back and couldn't play because of that. However, this did not stop me from running away from my ambition. I started training after 2 years and playing my first tournament after the injury was like my vision turning into reality. I have a dream of getting a gold medal for India in the Olympics and I’m training for that. My Nanu has always been my inspiration. He is very hardworking and has also taught me to be determined towards my goals.
Highlights of the Achiever's Journey
Jhalak Tomar has been an active sportsperson in school
She started boxing in 2014 but there was a lack of participation of other girls to compete against.
She always believed in working hard and finds Nanu to be her inspiration. Her parents also supported her in every step of her journey.
She joined academy and started with her training for State championship in 2016, and consequently winning 2 gold medals
She won a bronze medal in the National Boxing Championship in 2017
She represented India and won a silver medal in the International Boxing Championship in 2017.
She doesn't believe in friendship and also has her eye on the goals.
She was on a break from boxing due to her injury 2 years back. However, she started training with more passion afterwards
She recently achieved the best challenging boxer award in the State Elite Women Boxing Championship and won a silver medal in the State Boxing Championship in October, 2021.
Her dream is to win a gold medal for India in the Olympics
Comments