Venkatesan Devarajan predicts good show in Tokyo
"There could even be a change of colour and we could win two or three medals at this year’s Olympics," said Devarajan.
Hyderabad: India returned with 15 medals, including two gold, five silver and eight bronze medals (both men and women), in the just concluded Asia Cup Boxing Championship in the UAE. Elated by this fine show, National selector and Olympian Venkatesan Devarajan predicts that India could see even the best-ever performance in Olympics in Tokyo. Vijendra Kumar is the lone boxer to win a medal in Olympics (2008). “There could even be a change of colour and we could win two or three medals at this year’s Olympics,” said Devarajan.
Amit Panghal, Manish Kaushik, Vikas Krishan, Ashish Kumar, Satish Kumar, Mary Kom, Simranjit Kaur, Lovlina Borgohain and Pooja Rani have qualified for Tokyo Olympics.
According to Devarajan, the Indian boxers are brimming with confidence. “There is an air of confidence among the Indian pugilists. They fight fearlessly in most of the competitions. Not long ago many of the boxers used to lose in the quarterfinals. But it is different now. The latest show in the Asia Cup is an example where the Indian boxers showcased their talent in a big way,” he said.
Devarajan, who won a bronze medal in the 1994 World Boxing Championship in Bangkok, said thanks to the meticulous planning of the Boxing Federation of India, the nation has become an emerging powerhouse in boxing. “The federation has done a wonderful job. The camps are purposeful and the boxers are getting good exposure by participating in international competitions.”
The veteran pugilist said Asia Championship has become tough. “Mongolia has always been a strong team in Asia. But the participants from countries like Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan (both from erstwhile Russia) have given a tough competition. To win a gold or silver in Asian Championship is a very good achievement.”
Devarajan said the Indian boxers have adopted the Russian and Cuban styles. “They have been successful in their bouts in many of the international competitions. Russians are known for sound defence as they avoid any punches and at the same time they have powerful punches. For instance, boxers like Shiva Thapa and Amit Panghal execute this style beautifully. They have good footwork, avoid punches and counter-attack nicely. The Indians, at the same time, have not ignored the Cuban style, which is known for their accurate punching and fast movements. I admire the way Shiva bouts. That the Indian competition is so strong is evident with a boxer like Shiva losing to Manish Kaushik for the Olympics.”
Praising Mary Kom, the 47-year-old Devarajan said she is a boxer with an indomitable spirit. “Her experience and determination will play a key role in the Olympics. I’m happy with Pooja and Simran have progressed. They too have grown in stature.”
It is a feel-good factor that is helping the Indian boxing. “We have an enthusiastic sports minister in Kiren Rijiju, who follows the Indians in action keenly. In recent years, boxing has grown in popularity as we are getting results in international competitions. We are on the right track. There is a lot of competition for every category and no boxer is guaranteed of his place. That is a good sign,” Devarajan signed off.
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