Uttarakhand CM Honors Women Boxers for International Achievements

Celebrating Success in Boxing

Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], July 21: On Tuesday, Uttarakhand's Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami recognized the remarkable achievements of the state's women boxers who have excelled on the global stage.

During a ceremony at the Chief Minister's residence, Dhami presented awards to Pithoragarh's boxers Nikita Chand, Kajal Farswan, and Aarti Dhariyal for their outstanding performances.

In addition to the athletes, their coaches, Brijendra Mal and Lalit Kunwar, were also honored, with Dhami extending his best wishes for their future endeavors.

At the recent Under-23 Asian Boxing Championships held in Jakarta, Indonesia, from July 3 to 15, 2026, Nikita Chand earned a silver medal in the 60 kg category, while Kajal Farswan achieved a silver in the 65 kg category, bringing pride to both Uttarakhand and India.

Nikita Chand, hailing from Badalu village in Pithoragarh, is a three-time gold medallist at the Asian Championships, having triumphed in 2021, 2022, and 2023. She is currently training under the guidance of coaches Brijendra Mal and Bhaskar Bhatt.

Kajal Farswan, from Bhadeli village in Munsiyari, began her boxing career at the Women’s Residential Sports Hostel in Pithoragarh, mentored by Sunita Mehta Rawat and Captain Devichand. She later trained at the Small Khelo India Centre under coach Nikhil Mahar before being selected for the National Boxing Academy in Rohtak. Currently, she is training at the National Women’s Boxing Camp in Patiala. Kajal has previously secured a silver medal at the Under-19 ASBC Asian Championships, a bronze at the Under-23 Asian Boxing Championships, and a silver at the 38th National Games in 2025.

Aarti Dhariyal, another promising boxer from Pithoragarh, clinched a gold medal in the 54 kg category at the Gold Belt Boxing Tournament in Romania, held from July 12 to 16, 2026. Aarti, who resides in Gaudihat, has also won bronze medals at the Elite Women’s National Boxing Championships in 2024 and 2025. She has been selected for the National Women’s Boxing Camp in Patiala and trained at the Small Khelo India Centre under coach Nikhil Mahar.

The accomplishments of these three women boxers highlight the burgeoning sports culture in Uttarakhand and the significant potential of the state's female athletes. Their success serves as an inspiration for a new generation of sports enthusiasts.

During the event, CM Dhami remarked that the daughters of Uttarakhand have elevated the pride of both the state and the nation through their dedication, talent, and perseverance. He emphasized that the achievements of Nikita Chand, Kajal Farswan, and Aarti Dhariyal illustrate that women from Uttarakhand can excel in any field.

Dhami noted that winning medals on an international platform is a testament to the athletes' commitment, the mentorship of their coaches, and the support from their families. He reiterated the state government's dedication to enhancing training facilities, infrastructure, and comprehensive support for athletes.

He also mentioned that the government is focused on expanding sports infrastructure and nurturing young talent throughout the state. Uttarakhand's athletes have consistently shone at both national and international levels, bringing honor to the state.

The government's goal is to ensure that every talented athlete has access to the opportunities and resources necessary to excel on the grandest stages. He wished the athletes and their coaches success in upcoming competitions and expressed confidence that the daughters of Uttarakhand will continue to reach new heights in the future.