New Delhi: Indian boxers landed in the capital early Tuesday morning after a successful World Championship in Baku, but had no time to unwind, or exhale.
They had a busy schedule from the moment they landed. A felicitation ceremony for the four boxers who have qualified for the Olympics -- Vikas Krishan, Jai Bhagwan, Manoj Kumar and Devendro Singh -- by the national team's sponsors Monnet Ispat & Energy was followed by a visit to the Sports Authority of India office in the evening.
National coach Gurbax Singh Sandhu was all praise for the boxers' performance. "The boxers are provided incentives as and when they perform well, which keeps them motivated. I have seen the rough phase of Indian boxing and I now I'm enjoying the golden era," the veteran coach said.
"I thought Vijender and Suronjoy's early loss would have a negative effect in the camp, but the spirit was so high that these two experienced boxers came forward to motivate other boxers," Sandhu added.
"We will chalk out a plan for combined training abroad and might also invite some countries to come and train with us," Sandhu said about future plans.
Vikas, who is sponsored by the Mittals Champions Trust, was the main attraction with his bronze-winning performance. "It feels good to be known. I will use my performance to make Olympics medal an achievable target," Vikas told TOI on Tuesday.
"Mittals have been a real support, in training or any expensive injury treatment and rehabilitation," Vikas added. The pugilist had suffered a hairline crack in his left hand two months back. He will be leaving for Mumbai for a few tests.
The Times of India