'Anger management did it for me,' says Suranjoy Singh

First Indian boxer to clinch a gold medal at the inter-continental president's Cup, Suranjoy Singh today attributed his success to anger management, which has helped him evolve from a streetfighter to a champion pugilist.

The 22-year-old fly weight pugilist, who was also adjudged the best boxer of the season-ending event, said he used to lose focus too often due to his short temper.

"I used to lose my cool very easily in the ring. For instance, if my opponent landed a good punch or fouled me, it would make me so angry that I would just forget about the bout and try to beat up the other guy," Suranjoy said after returning to the country from Baku, Azerbaijan today.

The Manipuri, employed with the Indian Navy, said it was before the Asian Championships, where he broke a 15-year jinx to fetch India a gold medal, that he realised how damaging his temper had been to his career.

"The coaches talked sense into me, made me realise how important it was to focus my energy on the real task. I also did some introspection and thought may be I should change myself a bit. I adopted a calmer approach and it worked fantastically well in the Asian Championships," he said.

"I now focus on scoring points and winning the bout. I don't lose my cool and this has made me a better boxer," he added.