Uzma Khan - Sports Are The Best Way To Find A Great Approach To Life (Boxer)

You don’t need to be the most talented or physically gifted in order to be great. All you need is the right mindset. You are your only limit.

1. Tell us about your background and journey.

Growing up, I was just an ordinary bubbly girl who spoke her mind but like you always have it, truth doesn't go well with many and that's how my journey began. A few teachers even went on to tell me that I wouldn't achieve anything in life. 

Ever since I got this fire within me to do something astonishing in life and prove myself even though I was very mischievous during teenage years. In every grade, I used to pick up a team sport where I was either a substitute or lacked quality team members when I played. 

But in 10th grade when the boxing coaching started in my school which was free of cost, I decided to give it a try. 

Boxing later became a really important part of my life because it really helped with many things that may be holding down the youth such as anger issues, it made me mentally strong – by directly facing my fears. The extensive physical focus and a commitment to a healthy lifestyle. 

I then gained a lot of admiration and respect as it separated me from the crowd. Although I haven’t even achieved 1/4 of my goals. Never ever in my wildest dreams as a mischievous aimless teen, I imagined to inspire so many out there.


2. How did you decide to make your passion your career? Was your family supportive?

Coming from a strict Muslim family and the stereotypes attached to women pursuing a spot like boxing didn't make things any easier. But these very obstacles have been my blessing in disguise. It made my determination to become the best version of myself even more stronger. 

I was set to do whatever it took to prove to them, but mostly to myself that I'm much more than the opinions that define(d)me. 

But my parents were extremely supportive. Although my mom doesn’t like the idea of me getting hit on the face and getting all bruised up. But the fact that my parents witnessed that I was changing into a better version of myself, being more dedicated, disciplined and goal-directed they were extremely proud.


3. Who is your favourite player and what have you learnt from him/her?

Boxing game is one that people have forgotten about and they are not enjoying it as much. Boxing is a mental game, a million things run through the mind when you step into the ring. There is a reason why boxing is compared to the game of chess. 

A boxer not only requires strength but also speed, balance, endurance, discipline and intelligence. They think it’s only the strength but no there’s a lot more to it and look up to the mind of a matrix. 

Pound-for-pound great and multiple-division world champion Vasyl Lomachenko from Ukraine is truly a one-of-a-kind boxer, and one of the most talented fighters in any era of the sport. I dive into the “brain training” that Lomachenko goes through. 

One of the most distinct qualities Lomachenko possesses in the ring is his ability to manoeuvre in and around his opponents’ space with incredible ease. He’s a smart, tactical fighter, who knows how to strategically destroy his opponents. I’m an in awe of his overwhelming speed and the ability to create angles of attack.


4. What is the level of commitment and time required to make a sport a career?

Like as I mentioned earlier I’ve not even touched 1/4 of my goals that I have set for myself but in order to be a good fighter, it's not just about putting in time in the gym, it's about changing your lifestyle and committing. It's a mindset.

But at a certain point, you realize there is more to it other than winning (as cliche as it sounds). It makes you harder. It makes everything else easier. You understand that eating isn't as important as it once was and that people can kick your butt at any given second. It makes you humble and understanding. 

It teaches good work ethic, and it works to make your life artificially difficult in a controllable way so that when real life gets hard, you are more prepared to handle it.


5. How can we encourage more youngsters to take up sports as a full-time profession?

Not everyone will like playing sports, no matter how much the sporting establishment would like to see more participation.

There is much that a child can learn playing sports that will come in handy later in life. I, for instance, played mostly team sports so I learned early on that it takes more than one person to be successful. The encouragement really must come from the parents. 

Resist giving children at an early age cell phones and other devices. But if you do, limit the time by rewarding time for activity. 

Just grab their friends and make it easy. Try a bunch of different sports. You are trying to see what creates a spark. They don’t have to be a natural talent- that doesn’t matter. It like being good at math In second grade. Doesn’t matter.
Just put some attention around them committing to playing and applaud the effort. 

At first, it is about the experience so make that nice for them. Demonstrate to them that sports is more than a physical activity. It helps to create new relationships daily as you encounter different athletes across the country, pushing one’s limits and teaches you a lot of valuable life lesson. You have to show them that it is “Deeper Than Sports”.

Sports are the best way to find a great approach to life.


6.Which is your favourite book and why?

I know this might sound a bit strange but it’s not necessary that if you’re a sportsperson your favourite book has to be something related to sports or likewise.

I’ve an unflattering belief in the power of mindset. You don’t need to be the most talented or physically gifted in order to be great. All you need is the right mindset. You are your only limit.

 
I grew up completely and truly agnostic. My favourite book is about which there is no doubt The Holy Quran because I always get peace of mind after reciting it. The Holy Quran is a complete code of life. One can find a solution to every problem such as Social, economic, moral and religious. 

It deals with the worldly affairs and also with affairs of the world hereafter. My flesh and my heart may fail but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. It has so many inspirational and motivational verses that boost my level of esteem. I’m nothing without my faith. The power is not in the muscles it’s in the belief.


- Uzma Khan (Boxer, 10 times Goa State Medalist)

Uzma Khan, an amateur boxer with a record of national silver medal, 10 times Goa state gold medalist and have been awarded as the most promising boxer in all India. I’m a student pursuing a bachelor degree in Psychology and History. Apart from this, I’ve begun with modelling, dancing and acting projects. I’m also a part-time fitness instructor. I'm working to build something that will speak for me long after I’m gone. Social media is a great platform to connect to every corner of the world and here’s my Instagram handle “_dafibo “ I use it as a source of inspiration to build confidence and to make an impact.


Interviewed By Pratibha Sahani