Fresh from their bout in Beijing, the boxers have a renewed hope for their sport in India.
Felicitations, cash prizes, being mobbed by the media and, above all, much-needed recognition. These are some of the things which the boxers have encountered after their triumphant return from the Beijing Olympics.
It was kind of unexpected for the others, apart from Vijender Kumar, since they didn’t win anything. But the kind of show they put on has actually made people sit up and take note.
“I am happy that finally people see us as achievers and not just also-rans”, says Jitender Kumar, who reached the quarter finals at Beijing. A few months ago, he was just a boxer who had talent but not much else to show against his name.
Even though Jitender and his compatriot Akhil Kumar didn’t win any medals, they are now sportspeople that people can look up to. “It was not something which we expected, to be honest, but I am glad that people are now recognising our efforts,” says Akhil.
Of course, bronze medallist Vijender has hogged the limelight more, and rightly so, but his fellow pugilists are basking in the reflected glory as well. “We all put up a good show, and full credit to Vijender for winning the medal.” Next time, says Jitender, they will try to do even better.
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So how exactly has life changed post-Beijing? “Not much”, says Akhil, “except that people will now expect more from us every time we represent our country.” But don’t the expectations weigh an athlete down? “Let’s put it this way, it’s better than having no expectations on you,” he opines.
Vijender, who is the toast of the town, has been answering many questions about good looks, modelling and brand endorsements, and very few about his exploits. “I want people to get spurred on by the show the contingent put up, and the rest which comes along is just an added bonus.” Meeting the PM, President and other bigwigs has been quite an experience for him. Endorsements too have followed. Bajaj Allianz has already signed him on, and there seem to be other suitors as well.
The focus, though, remains on doing well in future events and competitions. Almost all his moves are now tracked by the media, on the whole, but the 22-year-old is not too concerned. “Of course it’s a bit overwhelming, but I am not too bothered by it.” He knows that some of it is quite temporary and will soon be over. “If I don’t perform well in the future, all this will just be history,” he adds.
Even though this was the best ever showing by the nation at the Olympics, Vijender says that right now is not the time to rest on his laurels. “I am only 22, and each time I represent my country I want to do better.” He says that rather than being recognised on the streets, it would feel a lot better if his and fellow boxers’ achievements are recognised in the future as well.
Akhil Kumar says that now that boxers have shown that they can compete with the best in the world, there is a need to promote it even more. Better infrastructure and coaching facilities need to be provided to encourage young kids to take up the sport. “For years, we have seen kids wanting to become cricketers or hockey players. Now, hopefully, they will look at boxing as well as a viable career option”. But is it a viable career option? “Well, if you work hard and are dedicated to the sport, then it is.”
Jitender, however, admits that he was quite disappointed at how his campaign in Beijing ended.
“I should have won, but I guess it was just not my day.” He remains optimistic about doing well in future competitions.
They might not have conquered the world of boxing, but they have at least opened a door which seemed to be forever locked. For these pugilists fame is secondary, and what matters is doing the country proud by giving their best shot.
“Fame and adulation is temporary. What lasts long is the kind of effort you put in, irrespective of the results,” says Vijender. For the time being, they are enjoying all the adulation coming their way. Being boxers, they know that the knockout punch can come in any form.