Nakul Shivani/ New Delhi

Alfiya Pathan returned to India on Monday morning from after registering her name in the annals of Indian boxing, winning a gold medal at the Elite Asian Boxing Championship held recently in Amman, Jordan.

19-year-old Alfiya defeated local favourite Ismail Husaili in the final of the 81+ weight category to win her biggest medal in the senior stage for the country.

Awazthevoice.in spoke to her about her success in Amman, moments after she returned to the Sports Authority of India centre in Rohtak to prepare for her next challenge – Senior nationals next month.

Congratulations Alfiya on your recent success. What was your first reaction after winning the gold medal?

I was very happy. In fact, I still am excited. This is my first gold medal at this level. It is indeed a proud moment for me and my family. I am happy I have been able to contribute to my country’s success.

Describe to me your experience at the Asian Boxing Championship.

It was a great experience. I learnt a lot. Before going there though I had the desire to win a medal, my main aim was to learn from the trip.

I got to learn a lot from the seniors in the team.

Just watching such world-class boxers in action, was in itself an education, and winning the gold medal, the perfect icing on the cake.

Alfiya Pathan after winning her final bout

To whom will you attribute your success to?

Sports, even if it is an individual sport, works as a team. I want to thank my coaches for believing in me, my physios for keeping me in shape and not to forget the senior members in the team who always helped me prepare for the bouts.

Will will you rate this success of yours?

Right now, this gold medal right at the top.

It is my biggest medal at the senior level.

There were so many big names in the fray from the Asian continent. And this was my first exposure with the senior team at this level.

How did you celebrate your success?

Celebrations can wait. I am back to the grind here in Rohtak, to prepare for my first senior nationals. I will celebrate when I go home to Nagpur and meet my parents after my Nationals in December.

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