Akhil wants to follow in Bindra’s golden footsteps

“I did not see the medal. We only met in the dinner hall where I congratulated him. Of course, it was very inspiring to see an Indian coming on top in the biggest stage in the world. At the most, I could have had a look at it, probably touched it and then returned. But I want a gold medal that would be just mine and would stay with me,” the bantamweight boxer said.

Akhil is aware that Friday’s bout would not be a stroll in the park but says it coincides with the Independence Day and he would not run short on motivation.

“It’s a sheer coincidence that my crucial bout coincides with India’s Independence Day. I’m someone who’s very emotional about my country and I have to rise to the occasion,” he said.

Akhil insists upstaging the Russian is not just a wishful thinking on his part.

“It’s quite a possibility. In other events, already a number of world champions and medallists have bitten the dust. I just want to continue with the trend,” said the boxer from Haryana.