SPORTS
Indian boxing has been on a high since 2008 Olympics and the likes of Vijender and Akhil look to carry that momentum into the Games.
Since 2008 Olympics, Indian boxing is on a high. Having won its first medal at the global meet in Beijing, the pugilists have not returned empty handed from major competitions and at the Commonwealth Games, they are targetting a record haul of medals.
India’s best performance at the CWG came in 2006, when they returned with one gold, two silver and two bronze medals.
“I won’t point out who the favourites are because for me all the 10 boxers have an opportunity to win a medal. A lot will depend on the draw and how they fare on that given day. One thing is sure that we’ll pocket a rich haul of medals,” said chief coach GS Sandhu.
Leading the charge will be Vijender Singh, who won silver at the 2006 Games in the welterweight category before moving up a division to middleweight.
Given his No.1 ranking in the world, he should win hands down but he has often buckled at crucial junctures denying himself the gold in major competitions.
Vijender finally managed to break the duck at the recently concluded Commonwealth Championship in New Delhi, but the competition was much weaker than what he would face at the Games.
If one goes by performance at the Commonwealth Championship where India won six gold medals, it looks like they will end up with a bucketful of medals, but Sandhu is cautious. “The level of competition is different at Championships and Games.
The stakes are very high at Games with most countries sending their ‘A’ team, which may not be the case when it comes to championships. But I’m optimistic of a better showing,” he said.
Vijender seconded Sandhu. “Canada and Australia didn’t send their best boxers for the championships and it will be tougher at the Games. My job will be to concentrate on the task ahead,” Vijender told DNA.
He said that he wants to silence his critics by clinching the gold. “On many occasions, I’ve overheard people say ‘Vijender reaches semis or final, but fails to land the crucial blow’. What they don’t mention is I was the first to win a medal at the Olympics and the World Championships. I will finally silence them with a good showing at the Games,” said the lad from Bhiwani.
If Vijender has been the face of Indian boxing since his bronze-winning effort at the 2008 Olympics, it was Akhil Kumar who made the Indians believe that they can compete with the world’s best after he clinched gold at the Melbourne Games.
Though Akhil has been struggling with injury since then, he is confident of defending his title. “It has been tough but who said boxing is easy. It’s a sport which leaves you in pain whether you win or lose. I have recovered from niggles that have been affecting me and I am confident of defending my gold medal successfully,” said Akhil.
But India’s medal hopes don’t end with these two boxers, who are without doubt the most recognisable faces of the sport in the country.
Suranjoy Singh, a 23-year-old flyweight boxer from Manipur, is one of the brightest prospects given the form he has shown in the past year.
The 2004 world junior bronze medallist came back into the Indian fold in 2009 and since then he’s been the most consistent pugilist. The Navy man first won gold for India, after a gap of 15 years, at the 2009 Asian Championship and capped off the year with AIBA’s Boxer of the Year award.
“Suranjoy’s speed make him one of the most dangerous boxers. His reflexes are excellent and he makes up for his lack of height by fighting from a distance,” said Sandhu.
Jaw-dropping! Man wraps massive green anaconda around his shoulders, internet says...
Donald Trump plans to end Russia-Ukraine war with THIS move, is expected to 'soon' appoint...
As pollution worsens in Delhi with AQI at 'severe' level, experts at COP29 urge India to...
SDM Assault Case: 60 people arrested in Rajasthan's Tonk
Veg thali cost more than non-veg thali in October, here's why
Land drug trafficking patterns in North-Eastern Region
Shillong Teer Result November 14, 2024: Know updates on lucky winning numbers
Mukesh Ambani's SUPERHIT offer for Jio users: Get unlimited validity for 84 days at just Rs...
Delhi air quality dips to 'severe' category as AQI nears dangerous...
Bigg Boss OTT-fame Bhojpuri actress Akshara Singh receives extortion threat
‘All I do is…’: After Arjun Kapoor confirms breakup with Malaika Arora, her cryptic video goes viral
World Diabetes Day 2024: Types, causes, precaution to avoid this chronic disease
Children's Day 2024: 50 WhatsApp wishes, messages, quotes to share on bal diwas
AUS vs PAK Live Streaming: When and where to watch Australia vs Pakistan 1st T20I live in India?
IND vs SA: Ramandeep Singh achieves THIS feat on T20I debut, joins Suryakumar Yadav in elite list
Meet man who used to earn just Rs 65, now heads Rs 23416 crore company, he is…
DNA TV Show: Arsh Dalla, Khalistani terrorist, arrested in Canada
Pushpa 2 first review: Rashmika Mandanna says Allu Arjun movie is 'freaking amazing'
SA vs IND: Tilak Varma scripts history with maiden century in 3rd T20I against South Africa
Delhi becomes world's most polluted city, overtakes Pakistan's Lahore, AQI recorded at...
Last Supermoon of 2024: Know when and how to watch it and other details here
Noida man arrested for creating ‘cannabis nursery’ inside house after being inspired by…
Actor John Krasinski named 'Sexiest Man Alive 2024' by People magazine
Meet outsider who worked in bank for eight years, became OTT star, will now star opposite Kajol in..
What is wedding invitation scam, how to protect yourself from it?
Arjun Tendulkar achieves rare feat which father Sachin Tendulkar never did in his 25-year career
Mukesh Ambani suffers Rs 12548 crore loss after buying Star from Disney, here's how
Ananya Panday sets Instagram on fire in sizzling bikini; BFF Suhana Khan, mom Bhavana Pandey react
International Trade Fair 2024 in Delhi from Nov 14: Know ticket price, timings, venue and more
SA vs IND: Varun Chakravarthy eyes Ravichandran Ashwin's all-time India record in T20Is
This govt company sold Rs 28880000000 shares of Ratan Tata firm, reduces its holding to...
Delhi Air Pollution: AQI hits 'Severe' category, record high in India today with 418
Tesla CEO Elon Musk spreading misinformation on X? His own AI model says...
Independent candidate slaps SDM outside booth during Rajasthan bypolls, watch video here
Viral video: Vistara crew bids emotional farewell on last flight before merger with Air India, watch
NBR Group Redefines Luxury Living With New Brand Identity, Tagline, and Logo
Resham Kamboj: Empowering Souls and Financial Freedom Through Spiritual Mentorship
NTPC Green Energy Rs 10000 crore IPO: Check subscription date, price band, lot size and more
India’s first hydrogen train to start trials soon: Check route, features, top speed to be…
Tejasvi Jaiswal's selfless sacrifice for brother Yashasvi Jaiswal rewarded with life's greatest gift
Mukesh Ambani, Isha Ambani to shut down these outlets under Reliance Retail due to...
Watch viral video: This MP stole Bill and ran away with intention to...
US comedian's hilarious imitation of Donald Trump goes viral, watch video here
Jharkhand Assembly Elections 2024: CSK legend MS Dhoni and wife Sakshi cast vote in Ranchi - Watch
LoP Rahul Gandhi rides Kerala's longest zipline in Wayanad to boost tourism after landslides; watch
Nita Ambani stuns in floral ensemble as she poses with Anupam Kher at NMACC
Anil Ambani's company makes HUGE profit in 3 months, market cap now reaches Rs...