New Delhi: India’s campaign at World Boxing Cup 2 in Guiyang, China, ended with six medals – one gold, three silver and two bronze. The brightest moment of the tournament came from Haryana boxer Jyoti Gulia, who performed brilliantly to bag the country’s only gold medal.Competing in the 48kg category, Jyoti defeated Mexico’s Fatima Herrera in a hard-fought match before putting on a dramatic display in the final, beating Uzbekistan’s Farzona Fozilova – the reigning World Boxing Cup champion in Brazil – by a 5-0 unanimous decision. The win not only underscored his stature on the international stage but also demonstrated his resilience after a period of uncertainty and missed opportunities.In conversation with TOIJyoti talked about her gold rush in China, her plans to return to the 51kg category, the challenges she faced when her participation in the competition was initially rejected, and the unwavering support of her family and coaches.Congratulations on winning India’s only gold medal at the World Boxing Cup in China. How are you doing?Jyoti: I feel so happy, confident, and motivated. Winning the gold medal has strengthened my belief in myself and given me a lot of confidence in the competitions ahead.You competed in the 48kg category in the tournament…Jyoti: I am a 51kg player. I competed in the 48kg category for the only competition because my body was down, and I wanted to make sure I could participate.So was the move to 48kg temporary?Jyoti: Yes, absolutely. It was just about competition. My goal now is to come back strong in the 51kg category and compete in the National Championships in this category.Does the possibility of 48kg not being in the Olympic category affect your decision?Jyoti: Yes, that is one of the reasons. My long term goal is 51kg as it relates to future goals and Olympic aspirations.How has your preparation and diet been over the past few weeks?Jyoti: My diet has become very strict. For the past few weeks, I’ve been eating steamed vegetables and fruit in the morning. Training has been consistent, and my body is very strong.Is there any concern about mental exhaustion after such a stressful time?Jyoti: There are always challenges, but mentally I am strong, focused and ready for the next phase.What are your plans for the upcoming National Championships?Jyoti: I will compete in the 51 kg category. I have enough time now to rebuild my strength and prepare properly for Nationals.What are your long term goals beyond the National Championship?Jyoti: My latest goal is Nationals. After that, I want to do well in the World Championships, which are also Olympic qualifiers. My goal is to win in the 51kg category.There was a time when your name was not accepted in the competition. How difficult was that part?Jyoti: It was very encouraging. I was fully prepared, and then suddenly we were told that we couldn’t go. I didn’t talk to anyone at the time. I just tried to understand what happened.How did you overcome that frustration?Jyoti: I spoke to Ajay Singh sir. He told me to continue my studies and assured me that I will get another chance. He supported me completely and made sure everything was organized for the race.And in the end you returned that faith with a gold medal?Jyoti: Yes, sir. I promised him that if I had the chance I would return the gold medal, and I did. Did this challenge inspire you?Jyoti: Absolutely. I was hungry for power inside me because I was not getting the chance. I just needed one more chance to prove myself.What was going through your mind in the final against Farzon Fozilova?Jyoti: I had only one idea – win at any cost. After winning the first match 5-0, I didn’t want the game to end. I pushed myself to the limit and managed to win all the rounds with a clean slate.Do politics and sports leadership affect athletes like you?Jyoti: Yes, sometimes it involves planning and luck. But I try to focus on what I can control – my work and my studies.Who has been the biggest supporter of your journey?Jyoti: My family – my mother, father and brother – have been very supportive. My teachers and schools have also played an important role in my development.Did your family support you when you first started boxing?Jyoti: At first, no. In the year 2012, it was not uncommon for girls in our village to practice boxing. My father and many relatives opposed this idea.So who stood next to you?Jyoti: My mother said. They quietly let me go to study even when others objected. Without his help, I would not be where I am today.Where do you like to teach?Jyoti: Especially in my hometown. When I am at the national camp, I teach there or at SAI centers like Rohtak.You and fellow boxer Minakshi Hooda often train together. Does friendship turn into competition inside the ring?Jyoti: Yes, inside the ring we are rivals, but outside we are best friends. Sometimes they win, and sometimes I win. That’s the beauty of sports.Finally, what message would you like to give your followers?Jyoti: I focus on performance and excellence every time I step into the ring. I want to thank everyone who has helped me and believed in me. Their encouragement means a lot.