SWOT analysis of Indian boxing team for Paris Olympics 2024
The six-member Indian boxing team will compete for a podium finish in the Paris 2024 Olympics. Nikhat Zareen (women's 50kg), a two-time world champion, will make her Olympic debut in Paris with global Championship bronze medalists Nishant Dev (men's 71kg), Preeti Pawar (women's 54kg), and Jaismine Lamboria (women's 57kg).
Olympic bronze winner Lovlina Borgohain (women's 75kg) and reigning Commonwealth Games champion Amit Panghal (men's 51kg) are other major medal contenders for the nation.
So far, Indian boxers have won three Olympic medals, all of which were bronze. As the athletes try to script a new narrative at the French capital, let us take a look at the SWOT analysis of the Indian boxing team.
Indian boxing team SWOT analysis
Strengths
Strong Female Contingent: The women’s team is India’s best bet for medals, featuring world champions such as Nikhat Zareen and Lovlina Borgohain, who have consistently performed well in international competitions. Rising stars like Preeti Pawar and Jaismine Lamboria add further depth to the squad.
Comprehensive Training: The boxers have undergone rigorous training, including multi-nation camps and customized programs to enhance their performance. This preparation is crucial for their success on the international stage.
Weaknesses
Lack of experience: The six-member contingent lacks experience at such a big stage, Lovlina who won the bronze at the Tokyo Olympics, and Amit Panghal come with some experience of being at such a stage. However, Panghal was ousted in RO16 in Tokyo.
Limited Male Representation: The team lacks depth in the men’s categories with only two male boxers in the contingent. This limited representation could affect the overall medal prospects in these divisions.
Opportunities
Medal Prospects: Given their recent performances, the Indian boxing team have a strong chance of securing medals, particularly in the women’s categories. Nikhat Zareen, who has been the most consistent boxer for India in the Paris 2024 Olympic cycle remains the nation’s best bet for a medal.
Rising Stars: Young talents like Preeti Pawar and Jaismine Lamboria of the Indian boxing team have the potential to make a significant impact. While they might not contribute to the medal tally, they might spring up some upsets and carry home the experience of competing at the biggest stage for sports.
Easier draws for men: Nishant received a bye and will face Ecuador's Rodriguez Tenorio in his first fight. Amit Panghal, the Commonwealth Games gold medalist, will meet Zambian Commonwealth bronze medalist Patrick Chinyemba in the second round.
Threats
Tough draws for women: While India’s medals hopes from the Indian boxing team are pinned on the women, mostly Nikhat Zareen and Lovlina, both have been presented with tough draws. Nikhat, who was unseeded, will face Germany's Maxi Klotzer in the first round. If she advances to the second round, Nikhat will face top-seeded Chinese Asian Games winner and 52kg world champion Wu Yu.
Lovlina will face Sunniva Hofstad of Norway in the first round. If she advances to the second round, she will likely meet the old opponent and top-seeded two-time Olympic winner Li Qian, who defeated the Indian in the Asian Games gold medal match.
Pressure of Expectations: The high expectations from fans and the nation can add pressure on Lovlina and Nikhat, potentially affecting their performance. While Tokyo Olympic medalist Lovlina is accustomed to the pressure on the stage, Olympic debutant Nikhat Zareen might not be so.