China calling: Vijender says he’s raring to go

Keeping in mind the series of tough competitions coming up, India’s top pugilists will test their skills against the best in Asia, in China from February 1-2.

As reported by DNA earlier, the two-day meet — called Champions of Champions — will feature the top four Asian boxers in each category.

While Dinesh Kumar will take part in the light heavyweight category (81kg), Vijender Singh will compete in the middleweight division (75kg) for India. Akhil Kumar (featherweight 57kg) and Thokchim Nanao Singh (flyweight 48kg) are the others.

Being the World No.2 in middleweight, Vijender looks India’s best bet for the tournament. “I have been practising for over a fortnight now, I am feeling fit and raring to go,” said the Bhiwani-based boxer. For Thokchim Nanao Singh being the champion is the ultimate goal.

“I’ve prepared myself to become the champion, I will not settle for anything less than that,” said the 19-year-old and the youngest member of the squad.

But Akhil Kumar, who will be competing for the first time since September 2009, this event will provide him with an opportunity to prepare himself for the bigger events. Even the Indian Boxing Federation (IBF) general-secretary seconds Kumar’s thoughts.

“Our boys will be able to gauge their Asian counterparts better ahead of the bigger tournaments this year,” explained Raja.
The event will be a testing ground for China who are holding the China Open, a three-star AIBA event in April and the Asian Championships in November in Guangzhou.

The Chinese Boxing Federation is not only hosting the event, but also taking care of all the travel and accommodation of the athletes and a coach and the manager of every participating country. Cuban BI Fernandes will accompany the team as the coach.