Indian Boxing Team's Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats for the Paris Olympics 2024

Starting today on July 27, 2024, the much-awaited Paris Olympics 2024 generates enthusiasm and optimism anywhere. India is positioned for medal glory, especially in boxing, as its gifted sportsmen want to present their skills on the international scene and win, thereby uniting the country with great expectation and support.

What are the Strengths and Weaknesses of the Indian boxing contingent? 

With an eye towards the podium, the six-member Indian boxing squad is ready for a great performance in the Paris 2024 Olympics. Among the noteworthy athletes is two-time world champion Nikhat Zareen (women's 50kg), who will be making her Olympic debut. Global Championship bronze medallists Nishant Dev (men's 71kg), Preeti Pawar (women's 54kg), and Jaismine Lamboria (women's 57kg) will join her.

Key competitors anticipated to deliver medals for India include Olympic bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain (women's 75 kg) and defending Commonwealth Games champion Amit Panghal (men's 51 kg).

Indian boxers have historically brought home three Olympic medals, all bronze. Let's explore the SWOT analysis of the Indian boxing squad as these sportsmen try to rewrite the story in Paris.

Also Read: 2024 Paris Olympics Day 1 Live Score & Updates

SWOT Analysis of the Indian Boxing Team for Paris 2024

Strengths

• The women's team of India, led by world champions Nikhat Zareen and Lovlina Borgohain, is considered the country's most important asset. The squad's exceptional track record in international competitions is further strengthened by emerging talents such as Preeti Pawar and Jaismine Lamboria, who bring valuable depth to the team.
• The boxers have engaged in demanding training courses comprising foreign camps and tailored strategies designed to raise their performance. Their performance on a worldwide scene relies on this rigorous preparation.

Weaknesses

• Though Lovlina Borgohain, with her bronze from Tokyo Olympics, and Amit Panghal have some degree of high-stakes experience, the squad lacks notable expertise in big events. But Panghal was eliminated at Tokyo during the Round of 16.
• There are just two male boxers on the roster, which is a small representation of men. The men's divisions' chances of winning medals might be impacted by this lack of depth overall.

Opportunities

• Particularly among women, the team's previous results point to a good chance of medal-winning. Particularly Nikhat Zareen is considered as a strong possibility for a medal as she performs consistently across the Paris 2024 cycle.
• Young boxers such as Preeti Pawar and Jaismine Lamboria have the ability to make a big impression. While they may not win gold, their involvement might result in upsets and significant experience. 
• Nishant Dev has been granted a bye and will confront Rodriguez Tenorio from Ecuador in his first match, whilst Amit Panghal, a gold medallist in the Commonwealth Games, will contend against Patrick Chinyemba, a bronze medallist from Zambia in the Commonwealth, in the second round.

Threats

• The team's medal prospects are heavily reliant on Nikhat Zareen and Lovlina Borgohain, both of whom have difficult opening matches. Nikhat, an unseeded player, will face Germany's Maxi Klotzer, and if she advances, she will most likely face top-seeded Chinese champion Wu Yu. Lovlina's first opponent is Norway's Sunniva Hofstad, with a possible second-round encounter against the fearsome Li Qian, a two-time Olympic gold medallist who defeated her in the Asian Games.
• Elevated anticipations from supporters and the country can exert supplementary strain on Lovlina and Nikhat, potentially influencing their performance. While Lovlina is used to handling pressure like this, Nikhat Zareen, who is making her Olympic debut, could find it more difficult.