Arsh Pagarkar is an ace student at Apeejay School, Kharghar. He’s a rising boxing star with a passion for the sport that goes beyond the ring. A fan of the legendary Dmitry Bivol, Arsh has already made waves by clinching gold at the DSO boxing tournament and silver in the Bombay divisions. His journey is marked by relentless training, a disciplined diet, and the unwavering support of his school.
In this conversation, Arsh opens up about what it takes to become a champion, how boxing has shaped him, and his upcoming preparations for the Khelo India Youth League.
What got you interested in boxing as a sport?
I’ve always been someone who loves to stay fit, and boxing seemed like the perfect sport for that. It’s not just about the punches—it’s a total workout. The intensity, the strength-building, the endurance you need—it all fascinated me. Boxing keeps me in top shape and pushes my limits, and that’s exactly what I was looking for.
And how do you train for major tournaments?
My training regimen is pretty rigorous. I put in a lot of hard work alongside my coach at school. It starts with an 8-kilometer run every day to build my stamina. Then, I focus on shadow boxing for three rounds of three minutes each, working on my technique, speed, and movement. After that, it’s neck conditioning exercises to build strength and resilience because in boxing, you need to be prepared for anything.
Who inspires you most in the ring?
Dmitry Bivol, without a doubt. His skill, his strategy, and the way he approaches every fight—it’s inspiring. I try to incorporate some of his techniques into my own training. Watching him motivates me to push harder and refine my skills.
But a good diet makes a good athlete right?
Certainly. It’s all about fueling my body with the right nutrients. I consume a lot of protein-rich foods and vitamin B12 to keep my energy levels high and muscles strong. Eggs, fish oil, protein shakes—they’re all part of my daily routine. I believe that what you eat plays a crucial role in your performance, so I make sure my diet supports my training.
Do you have any favorite boxing techniques?
Absolutely! I love the jab, slip, overhand, and uppercut. Each move has its own power and precision. The jab sets the pace, the slip helps me evade, the overhand lands with impact, and the uppercut—well, it’s my knockout punch at times.
Can you share more about your experience in these recent tournaments?
Sure! The tournaments were quite challenging, with three rounds of three minutes each. I faced four opponents, each bringing their own strengths to the ring. But if I had to name the toughest one, it would be Avnoor Singh. His technique and resilience pushed me to give my absolute best. Every match taught me something new and made me stronger.
Which tournament is next on your agenda?
I’m preparing for the Khelo India Youth League. It’s going to be another big challenge, and I’m ready to step up my game. There’s always room for improvement, and I’m looking forward to sharpening my skills further and hopefully bringing home another medal.