The termination of the Indian Amateur Boxing Federation by the international body for alleged irregularities in its 2012 elections has dealt a serious blow to the sport in the country. Sadly, the worst affected lot has been the tribe of boxers.
Like unused weapons, the pugilists have become rusty in the absence of domestic competitions and international exposure trips. The loss of four boxers in final bouts of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games indicates the slow slide of the Indian boxers.
In such a precarious scenario, when a newly-floated Boxing India (backed by the International Boxing Association) has just completed its election formalities, the country’s boxers will consider themselves fortunate to get a chance to compete in the upcoming Incheon Asian Games.
One may get excited with Indian pugilists’ fabulous showing of two golds, three silvers and four bronzes (including two by women) in the 2010 Guangzhou Games.
But that was the time when the Indian boxing fraternity presented a united house and the well-oiled boxers were in terrific form.
“We were upbeat and hoping for medals prior to the 2010 Asiad. The male boxers won seven out of a maximum of 10 medals and we were joint toppers with China. But things have changed a lot after the National federation’s termination two years ago. Our boxers do not get any competition and our technical officials are not invited to international events. All this makes a huge difference”, said men’s chief coach G.S. Sandhu.
World and Olympic medallist Vijender Singh and Vikas Krishan had secured rare gold medals four years ago. This time Vijender pulled out due to injuries, while Vikas, who was out of action since the 2012 Olympics, returned after a long gap.
Gloomy ambienceDespite the gloomy ambience, some names in the men’s squad inspire confidence. Comeback man Akhil Kumar, Asian champion Shiva Thapa and Commonwealth Games silver medallists L. Devendro Singh and Mandeep Jangra are capable of delivering good results at the elite level.
Notwithstanding the ground realities, Devendro sounded positive.
“We are not getting any competition, but what can we do! We are trying our best in the camp. Hope, the Commonwealth Games exposure will help us.”
Sandhu reminds about the stiff competition the boxers are likely to face in Incheon. “In lower weights, you have competitors from China, Thailand, Philippines and Korea, while in upper weights you get boxers from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.”
Prospects of the women look better though. Seasoned boxers such as five-time world champion and Olympic bronze medallist M.C. Mary Kom and four-time Asian champion L. Sarita Devi are as hungry as ever.
Sarita, a former world champion, proved her class by making a rapid comeback after attaining motherhood and claiming a Commonwealth Games silver. “I am much fitter now and my experience will come in handy in Korea”, said Sarita.
All set to compete again after two years, Mary Kom, a mother of three, is an evergreen picture of determination. “I am completely focused on the job and know what to expect from such an event.”
Women’s chief coach Anoop Kumar banks on the seasoned duo. “It is true that we did not have any competitive exposure. But Sarita and Mary Kom have enough experience which will stand them in good stead.”
Millions of optimistic eyes will follow the Indian boxers’ progress in Incheon. The pugilists need to knock out the imposing odds to make an impact in the continental showpiece event.
