India's boxing success at the Olympics was no one-off. The pugilists are set to do even better at the World Cup in Moscow.
The claim that Vijender Singh’s bronze medal win at the Beijing Olympics was a one-off result have been put to bed by his compatriots at the boxing World Cup in Moscow. Although the boxer from Bhiwani didn’t make the trip to Moscow, the three Kumars — Akhil, Jitender and Dinesh — along with A L Lakra have shown that India has made astounding progress in the world of boxing. Four medals have been ensured so far and things are looking promising on the whole.
In all fairness, the results haven’t been surprising to many who have seen the boxers develop into world-class performers. Coach Gurbax Singh Sandhu must be extremely proud of his protégés. Before his departure for Moscow, he had said that they would be looking to do the country proud and put on a good show.
Even though he was confident of nicking a medal or two, the prospect of four medals was something that was difficult to believe. But such is the confidence among the pugilists, they seem to do best on the biggest stages.
Jitender, who is contesting in the 51 kg class, is supremely confident of making India a superpower in the world of boxing. “When we step out in the ring we aren’t intimidated by any opponent,” he says, something which wasn’t the case a few years ago. Maybe it’s the Vijender effect? “Of course, he set a brilliant example for us and we all want to emulate him, as well as go a step better,” says that 24-year-old from Haryana.
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The last time India won a medal at the boxing World Cup was 14 years ago, so it’s even more heartening to see that all four boxers are now assured of a medal. What is it that has brought this sudden change in the boxers’ mentality? “Winning instills confidence like nothing else and it’s what all these boys are doing,” says Sandhu.
Considering that all eyes were focussed on the boxers, they were under immense pressure to perform and show the world that they mean business. “Pressure has always been there, but it is only now that everyone keeps track of the boxing results,” says Akhil Kumar. But that only spurs him on, he adds.
Meanwhile, back home, Vijender is not at all surprised to see the events unfolding in Moscow. The Olympic medallist, who missed the tournament because of injury, is delighted with his fellow boxers’ performance. “I am feeling extremely proud of their performance and hopefully this is just the start of a golden era in boxing.”
Vijender, who became a household name after his exploits in Beijing, says that their coach has played a massive role in their development. He says that even when results were not going their way, Sandhu always asked them to believe in their talent and ability.
But is there an intense rivalry among the boxers? “Not at all. We all want to do our best and encourage each other when the chips are down.” They all get along very well and there is good camaraderie amongst them.
Even though it was Vijender who got the chance to bask the most in the limelight, it’s Akhil who seems to be the mentor for the others. “He is extremely talented and the one we all look upto,” says the boxer from Bhiwani. Akhil himself says that sometimes it’s overconfidence which proves to be his undoing. “I like to believe that I can beat anyone in the world, and that’s the attitude I always have.”
Four medals makes this India’s best-ever haul at the World Cup, and also its best at any international boxing tournament. Vijender is hoping that the boxers finish at the top. “The way they have performed, they deserve to finish at number one,” he says.
Even though the welcome accorded to Vijender after Beijing may not be in the offing, the boxers can be assured of making a name for themselves on the world stage. And after this performance, it would be right to say that the Indian boxers are certainly among the world’s best.