New Delhi: Former World number 1 boxer Vijender Singh is optimistic about India surpassing their performance at Beijing Olympics and thinks that the Indian boxing contingent will win more medals at the London Olympics.
"This time there are seven boxers who have qualified and all are in good shape to win medals at the Olympics. We will try and win two-three medals in London,” said the ace Indian boxer Vijender.
When asked as to why is he expecting only two-three medals, Vijender said that everyone needs to think on the realistic lines as well. “Slow and steady wins the race. Last time we got one medal, so we should take it step by step. May be, next Olympics we can aim for four-five medals,” he added.
"The Indian team is perfect right now. The teenagers in the team signify that the India's boxing future is very bright. They will do really well and I will also try to live up to the pressure and expectations being the senior member," he said.
Seven Indian boxers Shiva Thapa (56), L Devendro Singh (49kg), Jai Bhagwan (60kg), Manoj Kumar (64kg) and Sumit Sangwan (81kg), Vikash Krishan (69kg) and Vijender Singh (75kg) have qualified for the mega event.
Vijender, who would appear in his third Olympics, will be leading this strong Indian charge and understandshis role very well. He feels that he would be more than happy to share his experience with the young Indian contingent.
“I would definitely help the boxers cope up with pressure and would try and share my experience with them in order to help them perform at the mega event. But then boxing is an individual sport and they will get whatever support they need from me. I am ready to play the senior member role and try and soak in the pressure,” he added.
When asked about his chances at the Olympics, Vijender remained upbeat about it and said, “I was under pressure after I lost my first bout in World Championships in Baku last year. Everyone wanted me to qualify for the Olympics, so now the burden is off me. I would obviously try and win a medal. All I would want is everybody’s support. I would try to put up my best performance in the ring.”
By Samikshan Dutta Choudhury
Indian Sports News
