‘Less foreign exposure for boxers, but now’s no time to complain’
CHANDIGARH: Vijender Singh’s bronze in 2008 Beijing Olympics changed the face of Indian boxing. After that, the sport rose to great heights with Mary Kom’s bronze in London Games and three world championship medals by the male boxers.
But the last two years have seen the sport go through turmoil, mainly because of the absence of a national body. Vijender, the amateur-turnedpro who recently won the Asiapacific title in New Delhi, shares his views on India’s chances at Rio. Excerpts:
How difficult it is to win an Olympic medal?
An Olympic medal is the ultimate and most precious medal in a player’s career. A podium finish at Olympics requires lot of determination, dedication, hard work and years of struggle. So, it is not easy. But it is also not impossible. If I can win it, others can also do it.
What are your expectations this time?
All three — Shiva Thapa, Vikas Krishan and Manoj Kumar — are experienced boxers and have a chance. My medal at Beijing in 2008 gave a boost to the sport in India. Now, with the issues plaguing Indian boxing, a medal in Rio is a must to put it back on track. The boxers are going to Rio with an additional responsibility.
At Athens 2004, no one could go beyond second round. So what was the difference in preparations for Beijing 2008 where India won a medal? And what is the current scenario?
For three of us (Vijender, Akhil Kumar, Diwakar Prasad), Athens 2004 was the first stint at Olympics.
It gave us exposure. I went to Athens with the aim of just becoming an Olympian and frankly speaking, medal was never on my mind because I knew it was not within reach. But when we went to Beijing, all the five in the squad were talking about medal. We trained to win a medal.
That’s why the overall performance in Beijing was very good. Three of us made it to the quarters.
We were unlucky that we came back with only one medal. Due to federation issues, this time the boxers have got less foreign exposure as compared to what we used to get. But now is not the time to complain. We have to go with a positive frame of mind.
Eight boxers qualified for the 2012 Olympics. Now there are only three with no woman boxer. Will a small squad hamper India’s chances?
Rio is going to be the second Olympics for all the three, so they have the experience. I don’t think the size of the squad will hamper India’s prospects. All three are capable of winning a medal.