New Delhi: The man behind India’s best ever medal haul at the recently-concluded AIBA Women’s Youth Boxing Championships, Italian coach Raffaele Bergamasco, has been elevated to the position of performance director (PD) for senior women pugilists.
“Raffaele has been appointed as performance director for women’s boxing. He will now also be a part of the team coaching the elite women along with the youth women’s team,” a BFI official said during a felicitation function for the medal winners here Friday.
Bergamasco, when asked about his new responsibility stated that he first needs to have a look at the team. “I am new to the team. Tomorrow (Saturday) I will look at them and will have a talk with the elite coaches. The strategy for the future will be the same as the youth team,” informed Bergamasco
“I don’t know about 2024 (Olympics). I will not say anything beforehand. We will go step by step and 2024 will be our best chance. The girls just need to keep working hard and we will keep on achieving,” added Bergamasco.
MC Mary Kom, who was also present at the felicitation, also lauded the achievement of the girls. “I am so proud of them, they have performed so well. It’s a great achievement. They need the support along with the love and affection of the people,” Mary Kom said.
Meanwhile sports minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore announced a cash award of Rs 6.70 lakh for all the gold medal winners at the recently-concluded Youth Women’s World Boxing Championships. India’s junior women pugilists won five gold and two bronze medals emerging as team champions during the week-long event in Guwahati.
“You girls have changed the old thinking that girls can only take part in some games. This thinking should end, anyone can take part in anything,” Rathore said during the function.
Press Trust of India