A well-prepared Indian boxing team will depart for the Commonwealth Games tomorrow with an aim to do a lot better than the four silver medals and a bronze it managed in Glasgow four years ago.
Ajay Singh, president at the Boxing Federation of India (BFI), exuded confidence at the athletes' send-off ceremony, considering their recent form.
The 12-member team, comprising eight men and four women, will undergo a week-long acclimatisation camp at the Australian Institute of Sports in Canberra before the Gold Coast Games from April 4-15.
"I can say this is one of the best prepared teams we have sent to the Commonwealth Games. In the last one year, they have taken part in as many as 30 events. We have not cut any corners for their preparation and I am sure they will make India proud," said Ajay Singh.
The experienced Vikas Krishan (75kg), who will be making his CWG debut, will lead the men's challenge. The others selected in the team are Manoj Kumar (69kg), Amit Phangal (46-49kg), Hussam Mohammed (56kg), Manish Kaushik (60kg), Naman Tanwar (91kg) and Satish Kumar (+91kg).
Five-time World Champion and Olympic medallist MC Mary Kom (48kg) headline the women's field alongside 2006 World Champion L Sarita Devi (60kg), who is aiming to go the full distance after settling for silver in Glasgow.
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"Winning gold is the target as I was not able to do that last time around. The ultimate goal is to win a medal at 2020 Olympics. We did not have a recognised federation not so long ago and suffered because of that," said Sarita.
"But now the BFI under Ajay Singh is doing all it can. Unlike in the past, more and more boxers are getting the opportunity," she added.
The other women in the squad are Lovlina Boroghain (69kg) and giant-killing Pinky Rani (51kg).
Indian boxers did well in a recently held meet in Bulgaria winning a whopping 11 medals five from men and six from women. In all, the contingent clinched two gold, three silver and six bronze medals.
It was a double delight for Vikas Krishan at the Strandja Memorial Tournament in Sofia as he didn't just claim a gold medal but was also adjudged the best boxer of the event.
"I feel good about my game. The main challenge will be from English and Canadian boxers. I hope to get an easy first round which will help in settling the nerves. I am surely going for gold," he said.
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