Left hook to stardom

Bangalore, June 2: If each discipline at the Games here boasts of a constellation of National stars, the Games village resembles the milky ...

Bangalore, June 2: If each discipline at the Games here boasts of a constellation of National stars, the Games village resembles the milky way a bunch of stars shine brightly while some prefer to adorn the backdrop. The reticent Dingko Singh, India8217;s new boxing hope, belongs to the latter category.

The 19-year-old Services pugilist prefers the privacy of his room at the Village rather than bask in the glory of his newly-acquired celebrity status. Perhaps, he is shy, or maybe, the star status has not really sunk in. No wonder then, that for most visitors to the Village, Dingko is just another athlete 8212; which he indeed was till a few months back.Despite his accomplishments at the junior level, Dingko was a little-known boxer till he announced his arrival on the international scene with a gold at the King8217;s Cup tournament in Thailand, recently. In a highly competitive field, the Indian beat two Americans and a Russian on his way to the flyweight gold.

In fact, the Bangkok gold came as a big surprise for those who watched Dingko at the YMCA International in India earlier this year. For, in that meet, Dingko had taken a thorough beating from an Indonesian in the final.In the event, the Delhi defeat seems to have done a world of good to Dingko8217;s psyche. At least, that is what Services coach S.Jayaram offers as explanation for Dingko8217;s rise. 8220;He is a very aggressive and explosive boxer and retaliates only when he receives some punishment,8221; says Jayaram.The coach, however, was of the view that Dingko has to curb these retaliatory tactics because, 8220;such an approach often proves suicidal as one tends to throw down his guard while going on a total offensive.8221;

8220;With a little more experience and control on his emotions, Dingko can go a long way and even stands a good chance to land a medal at the Olympics. Remember, Dingko is just 19, the age at which I began my boxing career,8221; said the Arjuna Award winner.

Asked what his strong point is, Dingko, who is confident of bagging gold here, shot back, 8220;Left hook.8221;

8220;I use it very rarely. For instance, I had used it during my fight against a Thai boxer at the YMCA event, which I consider the best of my career so far. He had an Asiad gold and an Olympic silver under his belt, but I gave it my best shot and I won,8221; added Dingko.

Who does he think is his main challenger at the event here? 8220;Asian bronze medallist Birju Saha of Bihar. I beat him at the Nationals and should I repeat that performance, the gold is mine,8221; said the confident Indian Navy boxer.