It was a habit she picked up when she first visited the hall of one of the prestigious sports institutes of the country. There never has been a day when she had not bowed her head before entering the hall which has been sacred to her. Born to a tea vendor, boxing has been a passion for the last few years for Anita Rani, one of the boxers attending a practice camp at NIS, Patiala, as she talks excitedly when asked about the inclusion of women boxing in the 2012 London Olympics.

"Earlier it were the world championships that we girls set our eyes on, but now we have an Olympic dream to live for," says Rani, one of the upcoming talents in Punjab. "My father has admitted me to a local college in Patiala so that I can concentrate more on my game. We all look towards Mary Kom's performance in the world championships and our target is the London Olympics," Anita, with a glint in her eyes, says.

Anju Rani, another boxer with Olympic dreams, believes that boxing has given them an opportunity to earn well and to make a name for themselves. "My father is a daily wager, so we have always faced financial insecurity. But we hope that with the inclusion of women boxing in the Olympics, we would be able to carve a niche for ourselves," says the 15-year-old.

For some, boxing also comes as a means to boost confidence and a way to defend themselves. "Earlier, people used to laugh at us as they did not know anything about women boxing. But now women boxing is getting its due recognition and the same people who lmade fun of us now come and appreciate our efforts," says Pushapreet Kaur, undergoing training for the first time in a SAI camp.

... contd.