“We have come to a level where everyone is important for us,” said Indian boxing team's chief coach G.S. Sandhu while analysing the pugilists' success in the recently concluded AIBA World boxing championships at Baku, Azerbaijan.
The Indian team earned four Olympic qualification berths and a bronze medal from the elite event while finishing 10th (on points) among 113 countries.
According to Sandhu, apart from the boxers' efforts, it was a coordinated effort from the Indian Boxing Federation (IBF), the Sports Ministry, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the coaching staff that bore fruit.
“Nobody has said no whenever I have asked for any help. I am thankful to the sparring partners who did not leave the camp even after the selection trials were over,” Sandhu said hours after the team's arrival from Baku here on Tuesday.
Morale-booster
Nineteen-year-old Vikas, a former World youth champion and a youth Olympics bronze medallist, from Bhiwani said his performance would serve as a morale-booster for him. “It is a good sign for the Olympics.”
According to Vikas, his “self-belief, belief in God and trust in coaches” were the reasons behind his success.
The youngster, a gold medallist in the 60kg category at the 2010 Asian Games, did not find it difficult to fit into the big league within two years' time. “There is a minor difference between the junior and senior levels and that is the experience (of several boxers at the top level).”
He credited team doctor Abhishek Choudhary for his support during the strenuous assignment.
Jai Bhagwan (60kg) considered himself unlucky to miss out on a medal by a whisker (he lost his quarterfinal bout by a point). However, he rated his last-eight appearance in the Worlds as his best showing so far.
Credits mentor
Another 19-year-old, L. Devendro Singh, who made his international debut at the senior level at Baku, acknowledged the role of his mentor and senior boxer Suranjoy Singh. “I qualified (for the Olympics) because of him. He told me my positive and negative points. Our physio (Hari S.V. Raja) was also responsible for keeping us fit despite the draining schedule,” Devendro said.
Cash reward
Monnet Ispat and Energy Ltd (MIEL), the team and kit sponsor of Indian boxers, on Tuesday felicitated the pugilists for their success.
MIEL gave a cash reward of Rs. 2 lakh to Vikas. Besides, the company also honoured Devendro, Jai Bhagwan and Manoj with Rs 50,000 each. MIEL announced that it would continue its association with the Indian Boxing Federation (IBF) till 2017.
The deal, worth $2 million, will cover the 2016 Rio Olympics.Sandeep Jajodia, the executive vice-chairman and managing director of MIEL, said that his company intended to set up the Monnet Boxing Foundation to promote the sport.
