Kolkata eves seek boxing glory

Kolkata:

Kolkata-based twin sisters Shanno and Shakila Baby are trying to carve out a career in the boxing ring. The twins derive their inspiration from Lalia Ali, whose poster they keep under their pillow. "I love boxing. I want to make my country and Bengal proud. Though we don't get much support, we will continue our efforts," Shanno Baby said. Leading by example The duo has now become an example for many other Muslim girls in Kolkata, who are braving the odds to pursue the sport. The girls live in cramped one-room apartments, train in an old park, and sustain themselves on insufficient diets. "When we saw the twins boxing and doing well we thought we too can do it," said Razia, a local boxer. "These girls have the killer instinct. If they get proper support from the family, the government and other institutions, they will get good results," said coach Asit Banerjee. The girls find the lack of incentives frustrating, but they say a fighter walks alone and survives the adversities, which is exactly what they intend to do.