Indian boxing coach eyeing medals in Beijing Olympics

The Dronacharya Awardee coach said participating in the international competition would be the best way to prepare their strategy as well as assess the pugilists in the run up to the Games.

8220;I want the boxers keep facing competitions at the international level prior to the Beijing Games, where they will learn more about skills and tactics of that level,8221; Sandhu said.

8220;I don8217;t bother about winning medals in these events. Rather, my main purpose is to shape the team for the ultimate glory,8221; he said.

Indian boxers are scheduled to fly to Germany in the first week of June to participate in a combined training programme with German pugilists and then compete in the International Chemie Cup there.

8220;Such programmes and competitions will certainly help our boys to know who are their opponents in big international arena like Olympics and also what kinds of strategy they do formulate.8221;

They will also participate in the inaugural President8217;s Cup in Chinese Taipei from May 24.

Vijender, Dinesh Kumar and Jitender Kumar qualified for Beijing Olympic from the Asian qualifying tournament in Kazakhstan. They joined AL Lakra and Akhil Kumar who had booked their berths earlier.

8220;In the way our guys have qualified for the Games, we should do very well in Beijing. I should not predict at this point of time whether we will win a medal in the Games, but yes, I am quite satisfied with the way the preparation is going,8221; Sandhu said.

8220;Our boxing team was never as confident and positive as they are this time. We are working on our strategies and looking to reach at the top of our ability at the right time,8221; he said.

The coach said he would try to guide the boxers to give their best and live up to the expectations of the countrymen.

8220;I know people of the country is looking at us for good show out there. We will make all out efforts,8221; the coach said.