Her Punch, Her Power: Nidhi Dhull Opens Up on Women’s Boxing Journey 

Meet Nidhi Dhull: Indian Boxing Star Nidhi Dhull, a determined young boxer from Chandigarh, has emerged as one of India’s promising athlete in women’s boxing. She made a mark by winning a silver medal in the 70 kg category at the Khelo India Youth Games 2025, showcasing her strength and potential on the national stage (tribuneindia.com). Earlier, she bagged a bronze medal at the 2023 IBA Junior World Boxing Championships, proving her consistency in international competitions. Trained under coach Virender Dangi, Nidhi’s journey is fueled with discipline, early-morning training, and the courage to break through societal expectations. 

Breaking Barriers: Women in Combat Sports 

In her conversation with V.S. Rawat, President of the Hardcore Sports Welfare Foundation (HSWF), Nidhi spoke about the obstacles female boxers face — from social stigma to limited institutional support. They discussed how boxing is often seen as “not for girls”, and how these outdated perceptions are slowly being dismantled. 

Nidhi recalled the raised eyebrows she faced when she first started boxing but also emphasized how the support of her mentors and inner belief helped her push through. 

HSWF’s Role in Empowering Female Athletes 

HSWF, under the leadership of V.S. Rawat, plays a critical role in supporting athletes. The Hardcore Sports Welfare Foundation focuses on: 

1. Supporting grassroot athletes 
2. Creating mentorship networks 
3. Promoting local talent through digital platforms like Sports Pe Charcha 

Through their programs and storytelling efforts, HSWF aims to shift the narrative around women in sport and ensure equitable access of training, guidence, and visibility. Their impact is especially strong in underserved communities where resources are scarce, but talent is abundant. 

Myths vs. Reality: The Truth About Women in Boxing 

Nidhi and Rawat debunk common myths about women in boxing. 

1. Myth: Women can’t handle the physicality of boxing. 
2. Reality: Female athletes often train harder due to the double challenge of societal bias and lack of recognition and unrealistic expectations. 

Nidhi spoke about the intense regimen she follows — early wake-ups, strict diets, and tactical training — to stay in peak shape. She emphasized that “boxing is not just about power, it’s about strategy and heart,” a message that breaks down gendered assumptions in the sport. 

Words of Wisdom from Nidhi Dhull and V.S. Rawat 

The episode closes with messages of resilience and action: 

1. Nidhi Dhull: “Support each other, stay focused, and don’t wait for approval to chase your goals.” 
2. V.S. Rawat: “Change starts with conversation, but it grows through action — that’s what we aim at HSWF.” 

They encouraged families, coaches, and institutions to build safer, more inclusive spaces for women in sports — where talent is nurtured, not judged. 

In the End 

“Her Punch, Her Power” is more than a title — it’s a movement. Through powerful dialogues like Sports Pe Charcha and our organization HSWF, athletes like Nidhi Dhull are breaking stereotypes, inspiring young girls, and shaping the future of Indian boxing. 

Ragister here for Sports Per Charcha for HSWF: https://hswf.network/charcha  

Watch the full podcast here: https://youtu.be/xT3C-sVJF34?si=LHNsvxnkrLtYaUUB