Success in professional boxing is akin to a steep, uphill battle, a reality intimately familiar to Urvashi Singh and Sarjubala Devi. These extraordinary women, each charting a unique path in a sport known for its ruthless competitiveness, embody resilience and determination. Their journey, marked by challenges and triumphs, offers a profound narrative that extends far beyond the boxing ring.
Urvashi Singh, the WIBA super bantamweight world champion, exemplifies the quintessential underdog story. Hailing from a middle-class family in Delhi, India, Singh’s love affair with boxing began in her teens, against the backdrop of her family’s strong disapproval. Battling societal expectations and the constraints of her background, she pursued her passion in secrecy, steadily climbing the ranks to eventually clinch the national amateur crown.
Singh’s journey took a pivotal turn when she joined Team Roshan Sports Promotion. Despite initial hesitancy from Coach Roshan Nathanial, Singh’s skill and tenacity eventually won him over, leading to a partnership that has since been integral to her success. Her journey, championed by DJMC Boxing, underscores the importance of unwavering determination and strategic support in sports. Dunstan Paul Rozairo, chairman of DJMC Boxing, highlights their role in fostering Singh’s growth, emphasising their commitment to diversity and inclusivity. This support has been crucial in enabling Singh to become the first Middle East female world champion, a testament to breaking barriers in the traditionally male-dominated world of boxing.
Sarjubala Devi’s story, although different, is equally compelling. Growing up in the challenging environment of Manipur, India, her childhood was marked by poverty and hunger. However, Devi channelled her hardships into fuel for her boxing aspirations. Her remarkable talent shone through early in her career, evidenced by her gold medal at the AIBA World Youth Boxing Championships in 2011 and her impressive performance at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
In 2022, Devi’s professional boxing journey commenced with DJMC Events Dubai, marking a significant chapter in her career. Rozairo points out how their support has been pivotal in helping her overcome socio-economic challenges, contributing to both her boxing prowess and overall development.
Both Singh and Devi’s stories are shining examples of DJMC’s commitment to empowering women in sports. They highlight how strategic backing, coupled with personal determination, can lead to extraordinary achievements in athletics. Their success is not just in winning titles; it lies in breaking stereotypes and paving the way for future generations of female athletes.
Currently, Singh and Devi are in the final stages of preparation for their upcoming bouts at the historic Malvern Town Hall in Melbourne, Australia, on December 15. Singh (10-3, 6KOs) is set to face Thailand’s Thanchanok Phanan (16-8, 9KOs) for the WBC International super bantamweight title. Devi (2-0, 1KO) will compete in a flyweight support bout against Ranee Klinratree (4-2, 2KOs) from Thailand. These matches are more than just contests; they represent the culmination of struggles, perseverance, and an unwavering spirit to overcome odds.
The stories of Urvashi Singh and Sarjubala Devi are not just about boxing. They are narratives of empowerment, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of dreams, resonating powerfully within the wider discourse of women’s roles in sports and society. As they step into the ring in Melbourne, they carry with them not just the hopes of victory but also the aspirations and inspirations of countless women who dare to dream big.
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