From screen to ring: Sawan Gill’s World Boxing Cup debut journey

Chandigarh: Thirteen years after a televised bout sparked his ambition, Chandigarh boxer Sawan Gill is set to wear the India jersey for his World Boxing Cup debut in China (June 15–21).At 13, inspired by Vijender Singh, Sawan told his father, Anand Gill, he wanted to take up boxing. “You’ll have full support, but one day I want to see ‘India’ on your jersey,” his father had said—a promise that stayed with him.Now 26, Sawan has earned a spot in the Indian men’s team in the 90+ kg category. “That dream carried me through tough phases when training was demanding or results didn’t go my way,” he said.Training under coach Bhagwant Singh at Sector 42 and later at JSW Sports, Bengaluru, and national camps at NSNIS, Patiala, Sawan built his career steadily. “Sustaining the journey was the toughest part, and he has done that. As a five-time national champion, he has proved his range,” said Singh.Heading into the World Boxing Cup, Sawan sees himself as a more composed fighter. “I’ve improved technically, but I’m also more level-headed now. When I step in, I fight for my parents and my country.”He looks up to Ukrainian heavyweight Oleksandr Usyk. “His Olympic gold made me believe I could one day stand on that podium,” he said.Anand Gill recalled initial resistance from family members worried about the sport’s risks. “But we backed his passion. Seeing him in the India jersey is a proud moment — though the journey has just begun.”As he leaves for China, Sawan carries with him a father’s wish and a childhood dream forged in front of a TV screen.