India’s love affair with cricket is well documented—its players are national heroes, its stadiums are packed, and its victories dominate headlines. Yet, beneath the towering shadow of cricket, unsung athletes across various sports battle against the odds, striving for glory. One such story is that of Yasika Rai, a boxer from the small state of Sikkim, who defied uncertainty and adversity to clinch a silver medal in the 48kg category at the Women’s National Boxing Championships.
A Fight Beyond the Ring
For Yasika and her team, the challenge wasn’t just about throwing punches in the ring—it began long before that. The ongoing administrative crisis in the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) threatened to keep her and her teammates out of the tournament altogether. Confusion reigned over their participation, with authorities backing out at the last moment. Some members of the delegation were even stopped from boarding their flight to Delhi. But giving up was never an option. The team fought to compete, just as fiercely as they would in the ring.
And Yasika did not disappoint. She broke a 12-year medal drought for Sikkim’s women in national championships, joining a select group of boxers from the region to have made it this far. Under the guidance of Sandhya Gurung, a mentor to Olympic medalist Lovlina Borgohain, Yasika showcased what talent and perseverance could achieve, even when the odds seemed insurmountable.
The Making of a Champion
Competing in the 48kg category, Yasika was a revelation in the tournament, dazzling spectators with her nimble footwork, controlled aggression, and clean punching. She outclassed seasoned opponents from Punjab, Manipur, and Railways en route to the final. Though she lost 0-5 to the experienced Minakshi, an Asian Championship medalist, Yasika had already left a mark on the tournament.
"She was undoubtedly the find of the event," remarked one observer. With her sharp movement and technical precision, she proved she belonged among the best in India.
Yasika’s journey began in an unlikely place—football. Initially spotted for her sprinting ability, she was encouraged to take up boxing by local coaches. "She had speed and agility, but her biggest strength was her unwavering determination," recalled coach Subash. It took years of hard work, discipline, and perseverance, but today, she stands on the brink of national recognition.
Why India Needs More Stories Like This
While the country remains fixated on cricket, champions like Yasika emerge from places where infrastructure is limited, funding is scarce, and recognition is almost nonexistent. The struggles of Indian boxers, wrestlers, and athletes in lesser-known sports go largely unnoticed, despite their achievements on the national and international stage.
The question remains—why should only one sport dominate our imagination when India is home to such diverse athletic talent? If a small state like Sikkim can produce fighters like Yasika Rai, imagine what India could achieve with equal investment in all sports.
Yasika’s journey is not just about one medal. It is about challenging the status quo, about proving that Indian sports can thrive beyond cricket, and about inspiring the next generation to pick up the gloves, lace up their boots, or take to the track—because the spirit of a champion lies in every corner of the country, waiting to be discovered.
Will India finally start celebrating its champions beyond the cricket field? The answer lies in how we choose to support and recognize stories like Yasika Rai’s.