From backyard brawls to World Cup: Bhopal pugilist, 23, charts Mahi way

Bhopal: When Mahi Lama began using her brother as a punching bag at home, her father did not reach for the scolding he might have. Instead, he put her into a boxing academy.That decision, made on a hunch, has carried the 23-year-old Bhopal girl all the way to the World Cup boxing 2026 in China, where she will compete for India in the 60 kg category.

The action begins on Monday, and will run until June 20.What began as a burst of childhood aggression at home has evolved into a disciplined sporting journey. Her family called it pure instinct -- an aggression that Amarnath Lama, an ASI in MP Police, recognised as potential rather than trouble.Friends and relatives recall the scrappy girl who refused to back down.“She would box everyone at home,” said Amarnath Lama. “Rather than stop her, I thought, why not teach her how to fight the right way?”That moment of clarity led him to MP Boxing Academy where coaches quickly spotted her exceptional natural ability, including balance, timing and a ferocity that translated into technical promise.Coaches, who have worked with Mahi, describe her as an instinctive fighter whose aggression is tempered by surprising discipline.Her academy coach Roshan Lal said: “She had the rawness you can’t train out and the hunger you rarely see.”“The job was to give her structure, footwork, combinations, defence, and she absorbed it all.”She progressed through regional and national tournaments followed, each bout refining both skill and composure.

Her ascent, however, was not without setbacks, including injuries, weight management and the pressures of balancing education and elite sport tested her resolve.“Yet those challenges hardened rather than hindered her,” said Roshan Lal.Selection for the World Cup marks a major milestone for Mahi as the tournament in China will feature the world’s top pugilists.Back home, Mahi’s family, once amused by backyard tussles, now follows her training and competitions with intense pride.Her father watches as his daughter prepares to represent the country on one of sport’s largest stages.“We knew she had something special,” the proud father said. “Now, the whole country will see it.”All eyes will be on China as Mahi steps into the ring carrying both family faith and nation’s expectations.