World Youth Women’s Boxing Champions-hips gold medallist Ankushita Boro, who has promised to give her best at the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) starting here on January 10, said the Games in Assam will help bring out more players from rural areas.

“I am working hard to get a good result in the Khelo India Youth Games. It’s a good opportunity for every boxer as more boxers can participate in the tournament, unlike in the boxing nationals and other similar tournaments. Last time I won a bronze as I was not competing in my usual weight category. But this time I am back to my original 64kg category and I am aiming for gold,” Ankushita told The Telegraph on Monday.

The 19-year-old pugilist had participated in 60kg category during the last KIYG in Pune. The KIYG is hosting 6,800 athletes from across the country fighting for 1,500 medals in 20 disciplines. The Games will be played in 11 venues across the city and it will continue till January 22.

Ankushita, who hails from Assam’s Sonitpur district, first caught attention in AIBA Women’s Youth World Championship in Guwahati in 2017.

She won silver in the recently concluded Elite Women’s National Boxing Championship and is hopeful that this time with the KIYG being held in Assam, it would inspire many youngsters from the rural areas to take up sport professionally.

“It’s not only a great opportunity for the players to prove themselves but also for the youngsters across the state to get inspired by watching this event in their home state.”

On Indian boxing, Ankushita said India would soon be among the top in the world.

“India is heading in the right direction and I think very soon we will be among the top in the world. The competition level in the country has increased a lot in the past several years. We are hosting tournaments round the year and now events like the Big Bout will make it even more competitive,” she said.