A Rising Star with a Fighter’s Spirit
Indian featherweight boxer Jaismine Lamboria is punching her way into history. Fresh off her maiden world title win in Liverpool, the 24-year-old from Haryana has set her sights firmly on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, determined to turn past setbacks into future triumphs.
Lamboria, who competes in the 57 kg featherweight division, faced heartbreak at the 2024 Paris Olympics, crashing out in the opening round after switching weight classes from 60 kg. But instead of faltering, she channelled that disappointment into motivation — and the result was spectacular.
World Title Glory in Liverpool
In September, Jaismine stunned the boxing world by defeating Olympic silver medallist Julia Szeremeta to claim the World Championship gold, making her only the ninth Indian woman ever to achieve the feat.
Her name now stands proudly alongside India’s boxing legends — Mary Kom, Nikhat Zareen, Sarita Devi, Lovlina Borgohain, and others — forming an elite club of champions who redefined Indian boxing on the global stage.
“The win meant everything,” Jaismine said in an interview. “After my early exit in Paris, I was completely focused on proving myself at the World Championships. Winning gold was one dream fulfilled — now the Olympics is the next.”
Learning Through Change and Challenge
The shift from lightweight (60 kg) to featherweight (57 kg) wasn’t easy. Before her transition, Jaismine had earned a bronze at the 2021 Asian Championships and another at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, but her performances were inconsistent. The switch gave her renewed speed, agility, and confidence.
However, she credits more than just physical training for her success. At the Army Sports Institute in Pune, Jaismine underwent intense mental conditioning, learning to handle pressure, doubt, and fear.
“My coach would hold one-hour sessions every day to help us focus on goals and positive thinking,” she explained. “That helped me look beyond past achievements of my opponents and concentrate only on my game.”
She also refined her technique — adding aggression, sharper cross-punches, and what she calls a “stubborn attitude” in the ring.
Eyes on Los Angeles 2028
As boxing’s Olympic status was reaffirmed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) earlier this year, Jaismine’s ambitions have reignited. “There’s no pressure about the Olympics,” she said, “but I’m not being complacent either. Every fight is part of a bigger goal.”
Coming from a family steeped in combat sports — her grandfather was a wrestler — Jaismine’s journey embodies discipline, resilience, and quiet determination.
The Making of a Champion
From a painful Olympic exit to world championship glory, Jaismine Lamboria’s story reflects the indomitable spirit of Indian sport. Her blend of mental fortitude, technical skill, and grounded humility has positioned her as a key medal hopeful for India in Los Angeles 2028.
As she trains with renewed focus, one thing is clear — Jaismine is no longer just fighting opponents; she’s fighting destiny, determined to wear Olympic gold around her neck and etch her name among India’s greatest boxing icons.
(With agency inputs)
