After Paris Olympics disappointment, Preeti Pawar feeling positive on return to boxing

Asian Games bronze medallist Preeti Pawar is relieved to leave her forgettable Paris Olympics experience behind and make a fruitful return to international boxing.

Preeti, who impressed everyone with her World championships debut in 2023 and then secured an Asian Games medal to book a quota place in Paris 2024, was hospitalised during the Indian team’s pre-Olympics camp in Germany after being down with Hepatitis-A.

Nevertheless, she banked on her determination to compete in the Olympics where she won one bout before losing a close 54kg pre-quarterfinal fight. “I did not care that I was sick. I just wanted to compete in the Olympics, represent India and give my best,” said 22-year-old Preeti after winning her first international bout, against Uzbekistan’s Nigina Uktamova in the quarterfinals of the World Boxing Cup Finals here on Sunday, and ensuring a medal in more than a year.

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Post Paris, the Bhiwani girl, supported by her uncle and coach Vinod Pawar and JSW, took a three-month break before resuming slowly.

“I competed in the BFI Cup to return to the National camp. I trained with some good sparring partners. It helped me assess my performance. I have strengthened my defence. Being an attacking boxer, I have worked on my counters.

“My body was weak after the Olympics. I worked a lot on my endurance. I did three rounds of boxing, five-six rounds of sparring. I did a lot of running to get back on track.“

Preeti looked at the brighter side of her struggle. “It was challenging but it motivated me to return. I came back stronger and I’m feeling positive,” she said.

Published on Nov 16, 2025