Ever heard of a teacher and a student appearing for the same exam? Well, come Asian Games, the boxing ring will present one such instance when the Indian duo of mentor Akhil Kumar and protege Mandeep Jangra fight it out for medals in their respective categories.
At a time when Akhil was written off following an injury-plagued dip in form, he was busy grooming Mandeep even while trying to resurrect himself. And as the teacher and his disciple gear up for the same challenge -- the September 19 to October 4 Asian Games in Incheon, Korea -- they reflected on their journey together in an interview with PTI.
"I always knew it would happen. I know how adamant a competitor Akhil bhai is. I knew I would one day be a part of the same team as the Salman Khan of Indian boxing," laughed Mandeep (69kg).
"Salman happens to be my favourite actor and like Salman, Akhil bhai is a showman and a very generous person. He helps everyone who approaches him. That is why I call him the Salman Khan of Indian boxing," added the Commonwealth Games and Asian Championships silver-medallist whose formative training was handled by Akhil's wife Poonam Beniwal.
Akhil, on his part, said he never had such a plan in mind.
"Mandeep would tell me this a lot of times but I would just say 'let's see, god willing, it will happen'. I never worked with such a plan in my mind. I tried to be there for him and did all I could for my own body to be back. But it's wonderful what he felt, has come true," said Akhil.
The relationship between the two boxers is six years old and Akhil said he has more expectations from his protege than himself now.
"I have bigger hopes from him. He is younger and fitter. Even at the Asian Games, he will have to take care of me. Obviously, I am there to lift his spirits and advice him," said Akhil.
