Boxers look to overcome training hurdles
New Delhi: Their preparations have been affected by administrative turmoil, but India’s boxers are geared up to do the country proud at the 17th Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea. “The controversies definitely affected our morale. There was uncertainty on whether we will go to the Asiad or not, whether we will fight under the national flag or not. It affected our concentration and preparations,” chief national coach Gurbux Singh Sandhu told this paper on Thursday.
“We tried not to focus on the controversies. We had already completed our preparations by the time the Aiba recognition came through.”The coach also felt that absence of international exposure was affecting Indian pugilists’ performance at the international level.“We missed out on adequate build-up competitions. “In Glasgow, almost all our boxers won at least three bouts before going down in the fourth. This clearly shows that they suffered from lack of international competition,” he pointed out.
Indian boxers were not allowed to have physios and doctors ringside during the Glasgow Games and Sandhu was apprehensive that a similar situation could affect chances in Incheon as well.“I do not yet know what will the situation be at the Asiad, but if the present status continues, then it could affect our performance yet again,” he said.“The competition at the Asian Games is slightly higher than the Commonwealth Games. There are several countries in this region who are a force at the Olympics. So even a small disadvantage could prove to be decisive,” he added.
Sandhu felt that with the CWG and Asian Games being held within a short span, the boxers were finding it difficult to peak for the continental event. However, the veteran coach became animated when asked about the comeback of former Commonwealth Games champion Akhil Kumar.“Akhil has returned to international competition after almost four years. He has the experience and the skills to beat any boxer on his day,” Sandhu said. “He is an inspiration for the younger boxers in the squad.”Although Vijender Singh will miss the Asiad with injury, Sandhu felt that the squad had enough firepower and the star boxer’s absence will not be felt.
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