Munish Sood
MANDI: Shashikala Negi, a boxer from Himachal Pradesh who is serving with the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) under the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), is set to represent India at the World Police and Fire Games to be held in Birmingham, US, from June 27 to July 6.
Shashikala Negi has been selected in the Indian women’s paramilitary boxing team and will compete in the 75-kg category, aiming to secure a medal for the country in this prestigious international event.
Born and raised at Duni village in the tribal Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, Shashikala Negi’s rise to international sporting prominence is nothing short of inspirational. Her journey reflects the determination and unbreakable spirit that often characterises life in the rugged Himalayan terrain.
Early training shaped by community support
In a region where access to world-class sports infrastructure is minimal, Shashikala’s success is a remarkable achievement. Her early training, like that of many athletes from tribal Himachal, was shaped by resourcefulness and community support rather than facilities.
Kinnaur, particularly areas like Sangla Valley, has emerged in recent years as an unexpected hub of boxing talent, thanks in part to dedicated local teachers and coaches like Opinder Negi, who personally trained and mentored young girls in boxing —often without proper rings or gear. Athletes here trained in open grounds, sometimes even in snow, armed only with ambition.
Career forged in discipline and dedication
Shashikala’s track record showcases both her natural talent and years of hard work:
• 5-time gold medallist at sub-junior and junior national championships
• Multiple medals, including gold and silver, at international events
• Represented India at the AIBA Women’s Junior & Youth World Championship (2013)
• Competed at world championships held in Bulgaria and Serbia, facing off against some of the world’s best boxers
• Gold medallist at the 2014 Golden Gloves Boxing Tournament
• Silver medallist at the 2016 Elite Women’s National Boxing Championship
Carrying hopes of a region and nation
Shashikala’s recent selection is not only a personal milestone but also a source of immense pride for Kinnaur and Himachal Pradesh. In a landscape often defined by agriculture and harsh terrain, her journey shines as an example of what focus, resilience and local mentorship can achieve.
“As she prepares to enter the ring in Birmingham, Shashikala represents far more than just a weight class—she embodies the power of dreams nurtured in the most unlikely places. From snow-capped Himalayan villages to international arenas, her fists now carry the hopes of not just a state, but an entire nation,” said a boxing coach.
