New Delhi: Their opponents are not the only obstacles Indian boxers will face at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. With the world federation (Aiba) preventing Indian officials and support staff from being present ringside, the pugilists will be virtually on their own during the competition.
However, Indian men’s assistant coach Jaidev Bisht is determined to look at the bright side. According to Bisht, it is just another challenge that the boxers have to overcome and it will serve to increase their toughness and resilience.
“There are no excuses when you are representing your country. We have no other option but to do the best we can given the situation. But this is also an important lesson for the boys. This will strengthen their mental toughness,” Bisht told this paper from Glasgow on Sunday.
“The boys are determined to do well. We cannot let these issues affect our performance. We have been allowed to fight under the India flag which is a huge motivation. Playing in your national colours is always special,” he added.
India got three gold and four bronze medals at the Delhi edition in 2010. Bisht however, felt that given the current situation, his wards could find it difficult to match that tally.
“We have the capability of winning medals in all eight weight categories. But every category has more than one fighter who has the ability to win gold. It also depends on the draw and how one performs on a certain day. In boxing, one punch could end your chances, even if you are a star boxer.
“In 2010 we were playing at home but now we have to adjust to local conditions. It’s a different challenge. The restrictions imposed on us have not helped matters. But our boxers need to maintain a tough attitude,” the coach added.
“Our preparations have been good this time. We arrived a week before the start, and thus got ample time to adjust to the conditions. We have had some practice bouts with boxers from other nations. We did well in those and it gave us a lot of confidence.”
