Mandeep banks on WSB experience

Without headgear,some of the boxers have suffered injuries too during bouts,but there is one boxer who has the prior experience of playing without headgear. Mandeep Jangra,21,is hoping his experience will come handy as the Indian team leaves for Cyprus on Wednesday morning to take part in the FXTM International Limassol Boxing Cup.

It was during his appearance for the Mumbai franchise in the World Series of Boxing (WSB) last year when Jangra,who competes in 69 kg category,first played without any headgear.

“When AIBA changed the rules,a lot of us were a bit nervous. It takes time to adjust to the new rules,and playing without headgear will of course be a challenge. But I have played earlier without headgear in WSB and it suits my game plan. The most important aspect in such a format is a boxer’s defense and it will play a crucial role in the tours ahead. The new rule is for everybody and there will be other boxers too who have not played without headgear,” said Jangra,who had won the title in the 64 Kg in last year’s Nationals held in Hyderabad.

The boxer,who is 5′ 10” tall,made his debut in the senior category three years ago when he claimed silver in Super Cup and followed it up with gold in the AK Misra International Boxing Championship held in Chandigarh the same year. He suffered defeat in the first round in the World Junior Championship in 2010 by a little margin,but came back strongly to reach the quarterfinals in Asian Senior Championship in Incheon,Korea. He then made a brief appearance in the national camp.

Last year,the pugilist from Haryana boxer annexed the title in the 64 Kg during the Nationals in Hyderabad. It once again opened the doors for him as Jangra made a return to the national camp. In the last six months,Jangra worked on his technique and adjusted his weight to make a move to the 69 Kg category,and Jangra believes the weight category will bring out the best in him.

“I have been playing in 69 Kg for the last two years. However,before the Nationals,I was down with fever and lost some weight during that time. My mentor,Akhil bhai,then advised me to take part in 64 Kg and I did that. I know the competition is tough in the 69 Kg category with the presence of 2011 World Championship medallist Vikas Yadav but I am hopeful of getting my share of opportunities. Dilbaug Singh Senior has been a constant force in this category and he spends time with us sharing his inputs,” shared Jangra.

Assistant coach Jaidev Bisht,who is accompanying the ten-member team for the Cyprus tour,believes that the sojourn will provide a chance for the youngsters to prove themselves before the all-important Asian Championship to be held in Jordan in June later this year.

“After the Nationals,a lot of youngsters made it to the national camp. And this tour will provide them an opportunity to compete at the international level. The next three years will be crucial for them as they will go on to become key members for the Indian boxing team. We have some experienced boxers in the team like Manoj Kumar and Devendro Singh and they have been sparring without headgear,” said Bisht.