It is a rather unique story of a girl who refused to be oppressed by any individual of the opposite sex. Any provocation was dealt by her rather severely, fists would go flying till she finally drew blood! It is the story of Aruna Mishra, India’s top boxer and a Tata Steel sportsperson.

There are several others like her, whose lives have taken different but nevertheless dramatic path. Sinimole Paulose, Laxmirani Majhi and Pratima Boro left home at a tender age, propelled by the dreams they had envisioned for themselves, some even moving across states and others against the tide of opinion.

Aruna Mishra

When Aruna is asked why she opted to pursue Boxing, immediately everyone in the room wears a grin. Mr Satish Pillai, Chief, Sports and TFA immediately interjects to insist, “tell them the truth!” A decidedly sheepish Aruna shifts in her chair before she bares all. Every time an eve teaser would bother her, then an aspiring athlete, Aruna would literally beat him to pulp! Therefore, complaints flew thick and fast to her mother. That is when someone advised Aruna to take up Boxing as a sport since she loved beating up people!

Aruna was then recovering from a severe injury received while playing a game of football. Once again, a young man had crossed her path and she had left him licking his wounds. As she watched her sister, Taruna and other women boxers throw their punches at the Boxing Training Centre, she told the coach, “I can beat any of these girls.” The Coach immediately put gloves on for her and sent her into the ring. True to her word, Aruna knocked out each of her competitors. Immediately Aruna was besieged

Aruna Mishra

to train as a boxer. Her sole condition was, “if I win a medal will I become a boxer.” So certain was the coach of her talent that he promised to give up coaching if she did not win a National medal soon. The rest as they say is history!

Aruna has won innumerable National medals and at 26 years, she is the undisputed queen of Indian boxing. When asked what next, Aruna reveals that she has a clear plan in mind for herself. “I have planned for myself. Much before I retire I intend to start training children. They must gain from what I have learnt.” Her meteoric rise, however, was not without a trail of sad events. Aruna’s father, Mr K K Mishra, who was an officer in the Company’s Sports Department had passed away by the time she turned to Boxing. Therefore, at 20 when she decided to become a boxer, society and even her extended family was extremely derisive. Aruna’s mother who is often seen receiving her daughter after a triumphant return with a medal, was then the pillar of strength for both sisters. “Now,” Aruna tells us with an air of having forgiven and forgotten, “the same people say “hamari beti (our daughter),” while then my world comprised only my immediate family, Tata Steel’s Centre, the coaches and the staff.” The whole world is now happy to claim Aruna as their own, such is the power of success!

Laxmirani Majhi and Pratima Boro

Laxmirani Majhi

Talk to them at length, quietly scratching away at their reserve and beneath the surface you find young happy-go-lucky kids who love to listen to Hindi film music. The slender, attractive, young Pratima was spotted when the selectors from the Tata Archery Academy went to Assam scouting for talent. Her height, body structure and age made her stand out as being perfect for the sport. When selected two years ago, this 18-year-old did not feel apprehensive about leaving home,