Blas Fernandez Returns as Boxing High Performance Coach: Eyes Medals for India in Paris Olympics

Blas Fernandez, the renowned Cuban coach who played a pivotal role in India’s boxing success, is making a comeback as the High Performance Coach just in time for the Paris Olympics. With a two-year contract from the Sports Authority of India (SAI), Fernandez is set to work his magic once again at the National Boxing Academy in Rohtak, Haryana.

Having previously coached Olympic medalists like Vijender Singh and MC Mary Kom, Fernandez is no stranger to success. His return has sparked hopes of India clinching at least two medals in Paris, with his eyes set on promising boxer Nikhat Zareen. Fernandez praised Nikhat’s boxing style, intelligence, and ring tactics, believing that she has the potential to shine on the international stage and make India proud.

Another medal hopeful for India is Lovlina Borgohain, who won a bronze in Tokyo and has shown great promise with a World Championship gold and an Asian Games silver. Fernandez, however, emphasized the need for Lovlina to exhibit more aggression and killer instinct in her bouts to secure a podium finish in Paris.

While the women’s team looks strong with qualifiers like Preeti Pawar and Parveen Hooda, the men’s team faces a tougher challenge. Fernandez expressed confidence in boxers like Nishant Dev and Amit Panghal to secure Paris quotas, highlighting the tough competition in men’s boxing compared to the relatively easier women’s category.

As a product of the esteemed Cuban coaching system, Fernandez brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the Indian boxing scene. With his appointment as High Performance Coach, Indian boxing hopes to break the Olympic jinx and achieve greater success on the global stage. Fans and athletes alike are eagerly anticipating Fernandez’s impact as he gears up for the Paris Olympics.