Handling "mental pressure" at the highest level is something Indian athletes lack, according to reigning world champion boxer Nikhat Zareen, who feels specialised training should be given to overcome this hurdle at big-ticket events.
Indian athletes have a tendency to perform well at regular events but falter at the big stage like the Olympics or the World Championships.
"Our Indian boxers are very talented, we are not less than anyone. We have strength, speed and power.. Everything," Zareen said when asked where the Indian boxers are lacking.
"It's just that once you reach that (world) level, boxers should be given training to handle the mental pressure.
"Once you reach the big platforms a lot of athletes become nervous, they aren't able to perform," added Zareen.
Zareen, who was crowned the world champion in the flyweight event last month, has also sealed a berth for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, starting on July 28.
Zareen has had to wait long for a chance in the flyweight category which veteran Indian boxer MC Mary Kom has made her own but the Telengana boxer feels the wait increased her hunger to do well. "Not only for me but other boxers in that category, they too wanted a chance. But you have to prove yourself and I have done that by becoming world champion.
"If I hadn't struggled and if Mary Kom wouldn't have been in my weight category I might not have worked so hard.
"And if I hadn't worked hard I wouldn't be a world champion today. So I will take it in a positive way. Maybe I had more hunger because I got a chance so late."