A tough road awaits veteran L Sarita Devi and rookie Manisha Moun as they open India's campaign at the AIBA Women's World Boxing Championships here on Friday.
The 36-year-old Sarita, who got a first round bye in 60kg category, faces Diana Sandra Brugger of Swizerland in the second round.
Sarita, who won a Gold in the 2006 edition held here, has come into the tournament after winning a bronze each in the India Open and Silesian Women's Boxing championship in Gliwice, Poland this year. Her opponent Brugger, on the other hand, does not have a formidable reputation.
But, it will not be an easy outing for the Manipuri as her opponent has been an experienced campaigner having taken part in World Championships since 2008.
Sarita, seeded fourth in the tournament, would be searching for her second Gold at home but to do that she will have to beat the likes of defending world champion Yang Wenlu of China and Rio Olympics Bronze medallist Anastasia Beliakova of Russia.
On the other hand, the 20-year old Manisha (54kg) faces 2016 World Championships Bronze medallist Christina Cruz of the United States in her first round bout.
Manisha won a Silver in the Senior Nationals and a Gold in the India Open this year. She also won a Silver in the Silesian Women's Boxing championship in Poland where she defeated reigning world champion Dina Zholaman of Kazakhstan.
India's 69kg contestant Lovlina Borgohain also faces a tough opponent in her first bout on November 18.