Mohammad Ali: Qamar lives up to his name

His first two names represent the boxing legend. No wonder then Mohammad Ali Qamar8217;s first love became boxing when he was just eight. E...

His first two names represent the boxing legend. No wonder then Mohammad Ali Qamar8217;s first love became boxing when he was just eight. Ever since his father took Qamar to 8216;Cheena Bhai8217; at Kiddepore School of Physical Culture in Kolkata a decade ago, the youngster has come a long way.

With just 43 seconds to go, Ali showed the kind of stuff he is made of. Even after taking a standing count in the last round he outlasted England8217;s Darren Langley to give India the first ever boxing gold at the Games on Saturday.

That Ali was a medal prospect was never in doubt for, he was considered one of the brightest youngster for the country. His confidence had gone up several notches high after reaching the quarter-finals in the World Championships last year.

A trip to Bangkok just before embarking on the Manchester trip to participate in the King8217;s Cup 8212; he lost in the quarters to Suban Phannoam, a world class boxer and 1998 Asian Games champion 8212; was the ideal push.

Talking to The Indian Express, working president RS Dalal, was immensely pleased with his team of boxers, particularly Ali and Som Bahadur Pun, who finished with a silver today.

8216;8216;Our junior programme has started paying off well. We8217;re thankful to the sports ministry for giving us the support. This is just the beginning. A lot more hard work is required before the Asian Games,8217;8217; said Dalal today.

Dalal also felt that Jitender Kumar, who won the bronze at the Games two days ago, was capable of more.

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When contacted in Kolkata, Ali8217;s mentor Muniruddin Ahmed, popularly known as 8216;Cheena Bhai8217; said: 8216;8216;Qamar was destined to become a boxer when he came to me as an eight-year-old. Never nervous, he had worked hard and we were waiting for an international recognition for his hard work and dedication. Today he has finally achieved this and we are proud about him.8217;8217;

Ali8217;s strong point as a boxer is his combination of punches. He mixes the right upper-cut and straight right-left hook to devastating effect. And this combination makes him the most difficult boxer to beat. The national coach GS Sandhu before leaving for Manchester had the following prediction. 8216;8216;Look out for Ali. His gait is to attack and wear out his opponent. With a good combination punches, he can unsettle the most reputed of boxers.8217;8217;

And that is precisely what the gold medallist in SAF Games and Eduardo Gracia Boxing Championship in Cuba did on Saturday. The best India had done before were silver by flyweight Chandra Nayaranan in 1974 and middlweight Jitender Kumar four years ago in Kuala Lumpur.

Qamar, who joined the Eastern Railways as a junior clerk in 1999, left an indelible impression in the ring in his maiden appearance.

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In 1991, Qamar was crowned as the inter-district champion at Howrah. It was followed by sub-junior titles in his pet event 8212; light flyweight 8212; from 1992 to 1996. With Dingko Singh8217;s decline, Qamar may well be India8217;s best bet in the coming years. And with a name like that sky is the limit.