Gold in offing after the silver lining in Bangkok

There is some fine chemistry that is working in favour of Indian boxers these days. It could be the training methodology that the Indian Amateur Boxing Federation (IABF) has chalked out in the last couple of years; it could be the untiring work behind the scenes by a dedicated staff, including the coaches. And, above all, it could be the hunger to do well of the boxers themselves and their hard work in the rings day in and day out. Whatever it is, the rise and rise of their lot is there for everyone to see.

So it is not surprising of that three pugilists — Vijender, Jitender Kumar and Narjit Singh — have made it to the finals of the Kings Cup Championships at Bangkok, much to the delight of the IABF, making the hosts sit up and applaud. The feedback coming in from Bangkok is that the boxers are very upbeat and are looking forward to the finals tomorrow. “No doubt, we are happy about the three silvers already in our pocket. But our aim would be to go for the gold,” said Colonel PK Muralidharan Raja, secretary IABF. What makes them click? “It’s simple. They want to prove to the world that Indian boxers are second to none,” says the Colonel, pointing out that the good showing by the pugilists in the season-opener will go a long way in helping them make it to the bigger league.

Jitender, who defeated Kim Dae Sung of Korea for an RSC (OS) verdict in the third round, was lethal with his combination punches with greater reach. He now takes on Doha Asian Games silver medallist Somjit Jongjor of Thailand ‘A’ in the 51 kg finals. “Beating a Thai on his home turf would be the ultimate thing,” he told The Indian Express from Bangkok.

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As for the other two boxers, Narjit Singh downed Mongolian Dorimyambuu in the 54 kg event on points (30-12) while Vijender accounted for another Korean, Kim Jae Ki in 81 kg. But Dinesh Singh lost to Abdurrahmanov Sherzod of Uzbekistan in the second round after referee stopped the contest.

While the bout between Narjit and the Mongolian was almost one sided with the Indian consistently outsocring, Vijender had to ward off some fierce fighting by his Korean rival. In the end, Vijender won 19-14.

Narjit will lock horns with Abutalipov Kanat of Kazakhstan while Vijender will meet Asian Games gold winner Rasulov Elshod of Uzbekistan in tomorrow’s finals.

The Mittal Champions Trust, which is sponsoring both Vijender and Jitender, has taken care of the two pugilists’ travel, board and lodging during their stay in Bangkok.