Perspectives
Rolling with the punches in Ontario
Wow. We have been welcomed with (almost) open arms by the Indian team. We met up with the Indian boxing team after not seeing them for almost two years. They arrived in Canada on May 19 to train and spar with Canadian boxers. They often travel for these kinds of training camps to gain experience with different fighters. After about five days in Sudbury, Ontario, they went to Brampton for two nights, and are now in Windsor. We’ve been with them the whole time.
We had an amazing translator from Toronto, Geetanjali Dagar, who basically donated her time to our project. She moved here from India a few years ago and is studying at Ryerson. Geentajali is very sociable and became quick friends with the boxers. She was a vital link between us and them. There is no way we could have done this on our own. With Geetanjali’s assistance, we explained our project and our intentions. We showed them a 20 minute highlight reel from our last shoot at the 2006 world championships and some training footage. They enjoyed watching the footage of themselves boxing.
After several discussions, I think we understand the coach’s position much more clearly. He really is looking out for the boxers and wants what is best for them. We were able to show him that we want the same thing, and that our project can only help them. He responded well. (We’re thrilled.) He even invited us to join them at the World Championships in China this November. Finally, we are making headway against the tide.
SUDBURY
The Ravi family welcomed the team at their lakeside home in Sudbury. They threw a raucous party to greet them and all of Sudbury came: the mayor, the police chief, local politicians and MPs. It’s kind of nice to travel around with these athletes because they only eat Indian food. We ate lunch at the Ravis everyday. I think I’ve died and gone to heaven; the food is so good. Here is a photo of a few of the boxers on the dock at their house.
On Day 2, the team woke up bright and early for a track workout at Laurentian University. There are 15 Indian boxers and three coaches.
Emily and I at the track, ready for action.
The team visited a nature centre called Science North and got into some trouble after disregarding the “Do Not Touch” sign. (They decided the turtles should swim)
The famous big Nickel in Sudbury.
The local boxing club organized an exhibition night to raise funds for charity. The Indians were paired up with Canadian and American boxers for this friendly competition.
Preeti (in blue) takes on her American counterpart in the 60 kg category. We met Preeti in Delhi in 2006 and interviewed her and her sister. (They’re both boxers.)
Preeti again.
Above is our amazing translator Geetanjali. The organizers in Sudbury liked her so much that they borrowed her for the evening. Five minutes before the boxing fundraiser began, they called her up to be the co-emcee. She had her own ringside VIP seat and was responsible for calling the boxers to the ring. She did a great job despite being put on the spot.
A great photo by Ameesha: Chotto (in blue) fighting with Canadian boxer Mandy Bujold in the 50 kg category.
BRAMPTON
After Sudbury, the team spent a day and a half in Brampton, sparring with some Canadian boxers. Usha, Kalpana and world champion Sarita (in blue) pose with some up and coming boxers at a club there.
Two of the boxers cheer on their teammate while the coach looks on.
At the boxing club in Brampton.
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