Chief coach G. Manoharan is confident of positive results from the Indian boxers in the Asian youth championship to be held in Bangkok from January 24 to 31.
Speaking about the team’s prospects, Manoharan said the boxers had trained well at the preparatory camp. “I think experienced boxers such as Shyam Kumar, Sandeep and Manjeet can win gold medals. The event will serve as a good exposure ahead of the World youth championship in Bulgaria in April,” said Manoharan on Wednesday.
However, Manoharan said the absence of any National championship due to the suspended status of the Indian Boxing Federation (IBF) posed selection problems. “We picked boys who grew out of the sub-junior category. Since we did not find any boxer in heavy and super heavy weights, we are going to the event with just eight boxers.”
The squad: Shyam Kumar Kakara (46kg), Gaurav Solanki (52kg), Naveen Kumar (56kg), Sandeep Kumar (60kg), Prayag Chauhan (64kg), Manjeet (69kg), Neel Kala Singh (75kg), Rohit (81kg). Coaches: G. Manoharan and Ramanand.
