Boxers leave with big hopesReported by Deccan Herald on Thursday, 12 July 2012 (on July 12, 2012)
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*Indian boxers were given a warm send-off on Thursday to the London Olympics — a pleasant departure from the scene four years ago when they left for Beijing rather unnoticed. *
The boxing team, confident and enthusiastic, has swelled to eight this time. The largest ever contingent was understandably excited as wishes poured in from all over. The men boxers will leave on Friday night for a week's training in London before they check in to the Games Village. The lone Indian woman boxer to have qualified, MC Mary Kom (51 kg), will leave for Liverpool on the 20th.
Vijender Singh (75 kg), L Devendro Singh (49kg), Jai Bhagwan (60kg), Manoj Kumar (64kg) and Vikas Krishan (69kg), Sumit Sangwan (81kg) and Shiv Thapa (56kg) are the seven men boxers to have qualified.
Indian Amateur Boxing Federation (IABF) general secretary PKM Raja noted, "The Indian boxers have become a force to reckon with. Four of them qualified from the World Championship and others from the Asian Championship. They all have potential to win medals."
IOA acting president V K Malhotra said boxing was India's best bet for a medal in London. "There is no doubt the best chance of getting a medal is in boxing. It is the largest contingent and we hope they all return with a medal. It is great to see sponsors coming to non-cricketing sport," he said referring to Monnet Group that has been supporting the Indian team.
Vijender Singh, whose bronze medal in Beijing Olympics inspired a host of boxers to dream of glory, is the only link from the past. The contingent is now replete with first-timers. From a promising youngster in 2008, Vijender has risen to the status of an icon and a mentor to the young ones. He promises a good show but in his own imitable style also pointed out that boxing today is not only about him.
"Earlier I was the only one, today seven of us have qualified and are there to share the responsibility. They are all good and responsible. We discuss a lot of things when abroad. We all know Mary Kom has a great chance of winning a medal. We will all try to do better than before," Vijender said. "I will try my best to get a gold. But it also depends on the luck and draw."
Manoj, the most enthusiastic of the lot, couldn't wait for the Games to kick off (on July 27). "I am eager to be the part of opening ceremony and then enter the ring. The dream is to get a gold medal and I will do my best," he said.
The Monnet group announced a cash prize for the boxers — Rs 51 lakh for gold medal, Rs 21 lakh for silver and Rs 11 lakh for bronze. The incentive should boost their campaign. The boxers were nervous the last time. Not any more.
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