Devika Ghorpade of India won gold at the Youth World Championship.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Devika Ghorpade was born in Pune, India on February 2, 2005. She is a 17-year-old female.
EDUCATION
Devika Ghorpade attended Mount Carmel School in Pune.
ABOUT
Devika Ghorpade is only 13 years old, but you can hear the passion to win in her voice. She recently won gold (in the 46 kg category) in the first sub-junior girls’ national championship, organised by the Boxing Federation of India. Devika Ghorpade is the only girl from Maharashtra to win a gold medal in a competition in which Haryana girls won nine of the fourteen gold medals.
She concedes that Haryana girls have an advantage in all competitions, adding, “They are stronger than most of us and also follow a healthy, nutritious diet.” Every Haryana boxer consumes two litres of milk per day, thus their fitness level is really high.”
Her instructor, Manoj Ingle, focuses on severe discipline in her daily practise, according to the pugilist. “Every day, I have one litre of milk and ten eggs, as well as poultry, vegetables, fruits, and carbohydrates; fast food and spicy meals are off-limits to me, and my mother ensures that I adhere to the diet plan devised by the coach.
“I’m taking a cue from the Haryana girls and aiming to raise my milk consumption to two litres every day,” she says.
Is she teased by her peers for being so serious about boxing at an age when her pals prefer to watch movies and play? “My friends mock me, but I tell them that boxing is my life, and I’m not ready to deviate from it,” Devika explains. I also get to enjoy the basic pleasures of life and enjoy shopping for contemporary clothes, but for the time being, my focus is on the junior world championship, which will be held next year.”
You’re not startled when she says Mary Kom is her favourite boxer, but you’re surprised when she says in the same breath, “My dream is to be better than Mary Kom someday.” It’s not a boast; I’m completely dedicated to my sport, and this is my ultimate objective in life.” Despite admitting that she dislikes school, the kid adds, “I will absolutely complete my graduation, but sports will always be my career.” I train for seven hours a day to develop my game since I can’t afford to be complacent when competing at the international level.”
