NEW DELHI: Ashish Kulheria is a national boxing champion and a multiple-time international medallist. From a humble middle-class family in Haryana to emerging as one of India’s brightest prospects in boxing, Ashish’s journey has been nothing short of inspirational.
Here are a few excerpts from the interaction with the boxer:
Q) You have a number of international events coming up this year. How have your preparations been thus far?
I am currently focusing on my diet, nutrition, training and work out to be in the best possible shape going into all the prestigious international tournaments. I am working hard to stay injury free and achieve my primary objective. My ultimate goal is to clinch the gold medal in whichever international tournament I play and fly the Indian flag high on foreign soil.
Q) As a professional athlete, you have been very successful. Please enlighten us more about your journey so far…
I have been an active professional athlete for close to a decade. I am a five-time gold medallist at the national level including top tournaments such as the 1st Elite National Boxing Championship (2016) and All India Inter-University Boxing Championship in 2015 and 2017. At the international level, I’ve won gold medals for my country at the 18th Asian Games Invitational Tournament in Indonesia (2018) and the India Open International Tournament in Assam (2019) besides winning multiple silver and bronze medals at the international level.
Q) What motivates you to always give best for the country?
I believe that whoever puts on the Indian uniform, it’s their primary responsibility to make the country proud. When you put the India colours on, you don’t need any added motivation to do well. Every time I put on that jersey, I always make sure that I give it my best shot on the mat. There is no greater pride than representing your nation.
Q) What is your nutrition plan going into the international events?
I have a fixed diet plan prescribed by my team of experts. I believe home-made food is the best form of nutrition. Apart from that, milk, ghee and that sort of stuff which we normally get are also very good for your health. Hydration is also very important and I always give special importance to my hydration plan.
Q) What message would you like to give to all the budding athletes out there?
I would like to encourage more youngsters to take up sports not just as a profession but also as a means to stay fit and healthy. There is no substitute to hard work so always remember to give it your all in whatever you do and never lose your focus. Believe in yourself and success will be in your grip sooner or later.
