Preeti in action against Nigina in the World Boxing Cup in Greater Noida on Sunday, November 16, 2025.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Asian Games bronze medallist Preeti Pawar is relieved to leave her forgettable Paris Olympics experience behind and make a fruitful return to international boxing.
Preeti, who impressed everyone with her World championships debut in 2023 and an Asian Games medal to book a quota place for Paris 2024, was hospitalised during the Indian team’s pre-Olympics camp in Germany after being diagnosed with Hepatitis-A.
Nevertheless, the determined Preeti competed in the Olympics, where she won one bout before losing a close 54kg pre-quarterfinal fight.
“I did not care that I was sick. I just wanted to compete in the Olympics, represent India and give my best,” said the 22-year-old after winning against Uzbekistan’s Nigina Uktamova in the World Boxing Cup Finals quarterfinals here on Sunday.
Post Paris, the Bhiwani girl, supported by her uncle and coach Vinod Pawar and JSW, took a three-month break before resuming slowly.
“I competed in the BFI Cup to return to the National camp. I trained with some good sparring partners. It helped me assess my performance. I have strengthened my defence. Being an attacking boxer, I have worked on my counters.
“My body was weak after the Olympics. I worked a lot on my endurance. I did three rounds of boxing, five-six rounds of sparring. I did a lot of running to get back on track,“ she said.
Preeti looked at the brighter side of her struggle. “It was challenging, but it motivated me to return. I came back stronger and I’m feeling positive,” she said.
Published – November 16, 2025 08:21 pm IST
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