Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh and Sports Minister Rana Gurmeet Singh Sodhi on Sunday congratulated Punjab pugilist Simranjeet Kaur Chakar for winning the Gold Medal in Boxing World Cup at Cologne (Germany).Hailing Simranjeet as a proud daughter of Punjab, the CM said that her accomplishment at one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world was a matter of great honour not only for Punjab but the entire country. “Punjab is now well on course to becoming the powerhouse of boxing, for which the parents as well as the coaches of Simranjeet deserve kudos,” he added.Notably, Simranjeet defeated host nation Germany’s Maya Kleinhans by 4-1 in the final of 60 Kg category. Earlier, on road to the title, Simranjeet pulverized Ukraine’s Marianna Basanets in the semi-final by 4-1.It may be recalled that the CM had personally met Simranjeet and announced Rs five lakh on her being qualified for the Tokyo Olympics. Later, the Sports and Youth Services Minister Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi presented her Rs five lakh cheque on behalf of the CM.
In the Boxing World Cup, the Indian Team (Men and Women) won a total of nine medals, including three Gold, two Silver and four Bronze.
Sports Minister Sodhi said that seeing Simranjeet’s game as to how the 25-year old boxer showed swift footwork to beat the local German opponent hands down with clear punches in the final, makes him extremely hopeful that the pugilist will definitely bring laurels for the state and country in Tokyo Olympics. “India’s AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships bronze medalist Simranjit Kaur also put up an impressive show in the semi-finals and competed against Maya Kleinhans in the title bout and won the bout by a split decision taking the gold medal in the 60 kg category,” he said, adding that the State Government has already announced to bear the entire cost of Olympic preparations of the maiden women boxer of the state.
“This is an extraordinary achievement of the daughter of an ordinary family and every possible help would be provided from the State Government to help her career move forward,” he added.
Sodhi also said that a beacon for the girls desirous to fly high in the sports, Simranjit was the first Punjabi woman boxer to qualify for the Olympic Games and not only Punjab but the entire country is proud of her. She also bagged a silver medal in the Asia-Oceania Qualifiers and she is further preparing herself to represent India in the world's largest sports arena, revealed the Minister.