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Journalism of Courage
Abhinav Bindra may have returned home with the glory of India8217;s first Olympic individual gold but he has left behind the inspiration for boxer Akhil Kumar to dream of a similar honour.
Bubbling with verve and optimism on the eve of his bout against 2007 World Champion Sergey Vodopyanov tomorrow, Akhil said he could not see the medal which Abhinav shot but was waiting to have one dangling across his own neck.
8220;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,8221; the bantamweight boxer said.
Akhil is aware that Friday8217;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.
8220;It8217;s a sheer coincidence that my crucial bout coincides with India8217;s Independence Day. I8217;m someone who8217;s very emotional about my country and I have to rise to the occasion,8221; he said.
Akhil insists upstaging the Russian is not just a wishful thinking on his part.
8220;It8217;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,8221; said the boxer from Haryana.
