The Hindu : Sport / Boxing : Coach Sandhu optimistic of an Olympic medal

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Coach Sandhu optimistic of an Olympic medal

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: National coach Gurbax Singh Sandhu expressed satisfaction about his boxers pulling out their best punches to bag three more Olympic quota places and remarked that all the five qualified boxers had the desire to win an Olympic medal.

“It is tough to say whether we can win a medal or two in Beijing. But, looking at the manner in which our boxers have qualified, and considering the desire that they all have to win an Olympic medal, we are attempting to provide them the best preparation and hope for the best,” said Sandhu, who returned with the team from the Asian qualification championship at Astana, Kazakhstan, on Wednesday night.

Making an honest admission that the expectation was about two more boxers joining A. Lakra and Akhil Kumar (who had made the grade earlier), Sandhu said that even four could have qualified from the meet in Kazakhstan.

Dilbagh misses out

“Actually, it could have been four, but Dilbagh Singh, leading by three points got a warning and eventually lost,” said Sandhu.

Vijender had qualified with a gold medal in the 75kg category, while Dinesh Kumar made the cut with a silver in the 81kg class.

Jitender Kumar won the bronze medal bout to take the qualification slot from the 51kg section.

The National coach’s optimism was understandable as Lakra had qualified from the World championship while Akhil Kumar had bagged the ‘best boxer’ award as well along with the qualification, by beating the Olympic silver medallist.

Incidentally, Akhil is getting treatment for a painful wrist in South Africa and should be back in the ring soon.

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