When the Indian mens boxing contingent leaves on August 27 for the World Boxing Championships in Milan,most of the boxers in the team will be looking for motivation to a compatriot who has won five medals,including four golds,in the womens event on the same big stage. With 19 medals in the womens world championships,MC Mary Kom will be an inspiration for the men,who have never won a medal in the world event. I grew up watching Mary Kom. Our coach at Vishnupur used to show us recordings of Marys bouts. One of the reasons I took part in the 48kg category was Marys success in the same section early in her career, says Nanao Singh,a silver medallist in the 2009 Asian championships and the 2008 world youth champion. Nanao and Suranjoy Singh,who ended Indias 15-year-old wait for gold in the Asian Boxing Championship this year,have been in constant touch with Mary for some time now,discussing various aspects of high-level competition with the current 45kg world champion. We have been sharing inputs with her and she has only one piece of advice for us: be mentally strong, adds Nanao. Suitable conditions Naming boxers from Cuba and South America as their toughest rivals,Akhil Kumar says the European conditions would suit the Indian team. A lot has changed since the last world championships in Chicago,particularly since some new rules have been put into effect. We havent faced any of the Cuban or South American boxers in the past ten months,but our Asian and European experience will count, says Akhil Kumar. The Indian team were earlier scheduled to undergo a training camp in Milan after playing in England early in August but the trip was cancelled,which has meant the squad hasnt had much match practice. Boxing is different from other games since we dont have many tournaments during the year.The world championships and Asian championships happen every two years and we have to maintain our weight during that duration. Its been two months since we took part in an international tournament, adds Akhil. The recent decision by IOC to include womens boxing in the 2012 London Olympics has also meant that the quota places in mens boxing will be reduced. The IOC limit of a total of 280 boxers in London Olympics,including 36-40 women boxers,will also mean that one of the mens categories will be dropped in 2012. Most likely,some of the lightweight categories will be upgraded or downgraded by one kg or two kgs to accommodate the dropped-category boxers. This tournament will give us a chance to know about other boxers too,which will prove handy for the future, says Vijender.
