For boxer Jaismine Lamboria, Independence Day has always been special. But this year, after creating history at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the occasion carries an even deeper meaning. Currently ranked World No 1 in the women’s 57kg category and the first woman boxer inducted into the Indian Army, she reflects on the emotion of watching the Tricolour rise, the changing attitudes towards women in sport and more. Excerpts from a chat:Independence Day is especially meaningful for you this year. Has the way you look at the day changed over the years, especially after joining the Indian Army?Independence Day has always been special to me, but because I am also a part of the Indian Army, its significance is even greater. On August 15, we celebrate the freedom of our country, and when I look at how much India has grown and progressed over the years, it makes me very happy. So, for me, every Independence Day is special.You recently stood on the Commonwealth Games podium with the Tricolour. What was going through your mind at that moment?When I was standing on the podium, I was just watching the Tricolour rise. When the national anthem plays among so many people, and you realise that you are a small part of making that moment happen, you feel incredibly proud. I was also emotional because our journey involves so many struggles. We fight through so many difficult phases to reach that point. And when you finally receive that honour and create a moment like this, it becomes very special.Has representing India changed for you since you joined boxing and the Army?Definitely. Since I started boxing, I began feeling a stronger sense of patriotism. After joining the Indian Army, that feeling became even deeper. When we were younger, we did not understand it in the same way. But when you travel abroad wearing a T-shirt with ‘INDIA’ written on it, and you know you are representing your country, that itself becomes the biggest thing, whether you win a medal or not. You want to represent India in a way that shows how strong the country is, but also how respectful it is. After joining the Army, I started feeling a different kind of happiness and pride for the country from within.We are also seeing more Indian women winning medals. Do you feel athletes like you are changing how young girls see their possibilities?Absolutely. For us, Mary Kom and Vijender Singh were role models. We looked at them and felt inspired to take up boxing. Today, when children and young girls around us see us, their parents are more willing to support their daughters in sport. Haryana already has a strong sporting culture because of the athletes who came before us. We looked up to them, and now we feel happy if someone looks at us and thinks, ‘I can do this too.’ There has definitely been a change.After all the setbacks and difficult phases, what does freedom mean to you today?There have been many setbacks, losses and difficult phases in my journey. There have also been inner struggles that perhaps people outside cannot see. My biggest fights have sometimes been with myself. For me, freedom means being able to stand up for myself and, through my work, tell people around me that they should also work towards their dreams. Freedom means being able to pursue the dreams in our hearts openly, without hesitation and without constantly worrying about what people will think or say. It is about standing up for yourself, giving everything you have to your dreams and creating your own path with honesty and respect.When you hear the national anthem after winning for India, what goes through your mind?It is a very emotional moment. I honestly do not know where that emotion comes from. Perhaps, because of the journey we go through, winning the gold medal is sometimes less emotional than hearing the national anthem. When the anthem starts and slowly reaches the end, you become completely immersed in that moment. The emotion comes on its own. You do not have to think about it; you simply feel it.What can families do to give young girls more confidence to dream big?Young girls need freedom, confidence and support, especially when they want to pursue big dreams. It does not have to be a sport. There are so many opportunities for girls today. Families should trust them, support them and give them the freedom to choose their path. We should not judge them. Their environment should not make them feel constantly judged. If a girl has freedom, support and trust around her, it gives her the confidence to go much further.What would you tell a young girl who is reading this on Independence Day?If there is a young girl who has a dream but is scared to take the first step towards it, I would simply tell her: take that one step. The beginning can be difficult, but that first step is very important. Whether you have to fight for yourself, convince someone or overcome something within yourself, you have to take that first step. The first step is often the hardest, but that step can change your life. So, take one step towards your dream. Then, step by step, you will get closer to achieving it.
