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Journalism of Courage
He is like any other 16-year-old boy who has plenty to occupy his mind 8212; social life, studies and peer pressure. For Vipin Kumar, though, life is slightly different. It is boxing gloves that he spends his money on and, of course, learning the different techniques of the game than on the latest movies.
The pugilist did the country proud at the recently-concluded World Cadet Boxing Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan, by claiming the gold medal in his weight category, and further scripted history by becoming the first Indian to be named the best boxer of the meet. He is the second Indian to claim the honour at a world level event after Padam Bahadur Mall, who was named the best boxer at the 1962 Asian Games in Jakarta.
But while meticulous preparation may have led him to be fairly confident of a good run at the championship, the best boxer award was a pleasant surprise. 8220;I was not expecting it, and I will always remember being presented the trophy by the AIBA president CK Wu. It felt very good.8221;
Chief coach MS Dhaka, though, is not amused at all. 8220;We were expecting Vipin to win the gold, and it8217;s a great thing that he picked up the award as well.8221;
Vipin started his career in 48kg category, but now boxes in 50kg class. The pugilist from Meerut, who took up the sport inspired by his brother Neeraj, is taking it step by step. The next big thing on his agenda is Pune8217;s Commonwealth Youth Games in 2008. 8220;But, as always, my ultimate aim is an Olympic medal,8221; grins the Class X student, basking in the glory of his extraordinary feat. And as the cameras request another frame of the award winner with his precious trophy, the confidence with which he handles them, indeed, makes it appear as if he were destined for bigger things in life.
