Plucky Vijender punches his way into history

Vijender Kumar won his middleweight (75 kg) bout to get India its first Olympics boxing medal, a medal whose colour will be determined in coming days. And what does he tell you when he dances out victorious from the ring? “I didn’t sleep all night.” And as you worry about the sleep deficit accruing to this 6 ft Bhiwani boy, he gives you a high five and promises, “Tonight I will sleep properly.”

As he should. On Friday he takes on Cuba’s Bayeaux Correa, who has found high rankings at the world and pan-American championships. Vijender, who with a curiously humble bravado, had said the other day he does not lose to the same boxer twice, has not played Correa. So: “I will watch his videos.”

Akhil had said before the match that it is a joy to find all and sundry criticising their strategies, because it reflects a new-found popularity for Indian boxing. Strategies apart, we are finding out that our boxers cannot stand still after a bout. As Vijender hops from foot to foot, the enthusiasm revives him. “I am going to enjoy my next bout,” he says. “It’ll be fun.” So, what’s the plan? “To win, to win, to win.”

Jitender — flyweight (51 kg) — has exited that stage. The fact that he showed up for the bout was an achievement kept secret till the end. He had 10 stitches on his chin. But this is what he’s learnt by getting so far: “We work hard and prepare as well as anybody else. We don’t need to be scared.” And at just 20, he promises, “I’ll be there in London (2012).”

For that, he too deserves a good night’s sleep.