Important for a boxer to learn to take defeat with dignity

Nothing could stop the Vijender Singh storm; not even a fractured thumb or a badly bruised ego.

After the lull,nothing could stop the Vijender Singh storm; not even a fractured thumb or a badly bruised ego. As his very vocal critics went mute in Guangzhou,Vijender broke out of his misconceived image of a playboy and donned the tag of a big-stage pugilist with pride. Speaking to The Indian Express,the 25-year old recalls his rebirth in the boxing ring. Excerpts.

Take us through the final against World Champ Abbos Atoev in Guangzhou. Did you consider pulling out after fracturing your thumb in the first round?

The moment I suffered the injury,I knew it was broken. I was leading 2-0 and I did not want to waste all my hard work. Atoev likes to attack and the key for me at that point was to not let him know about the injury,as he would have targeted the thumb. I continued to move my left hand like nothing had happened,including punching softly with the injured fist.

At the break after the first round,I asked my coach not to show concern before showing him the damage on my thumb,because I didnt want the opponents to even get a hint. Thats how badly I wanted the gold medal,there was no question of pulling out. After the glory of Beijing and Milan,and the lull afterwards,this has been a rebirth for me in the sport.

This gold medal comes after a setback in Commonwealth Games last month when you lost on penalties to Anthony Ogogo. How tough was it to shake off the disappointment and clinch gold in Guangzhou?

It has been tough two months for me.But I am happy that this gold medal will silent my critics.There are ups and down in every players life and that Delhi loss was a low point for me. Ek bure sapne ki tarah tha It was like a bad dream. We rarely play at home and it was disappointing not to come out on top in front of our spectators.

After the loss,training started almost immediately at NIS Patiala,which helped. The pressure of the loss was eased off my back.

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Youve been the number one boxer in the AIBA ratings for more than a year. Is the rank as important as medals to you?

I do not play for rankings. I play for medals. Rankings do play a role but once we enter the ring,we leave it outside. Atoev is a two-time World Champion but it was my performance and will to win the medal that helped me,not my world ranking. Look at somebody like Roger Federer,do you think people will care that he dropped to number two in the world,or will he be remembered for winning 16 Grand Slams? I want my fans to remember me for my medals.

The World Championships are in September 2011,where quota places for London are up for grabs. What are your training plans for the event?

The World Championships are vital for me. A quarter-final spot there will book my Olympic 2012 spot. If I do manage that,it will ease the pressure of me for the rest of the year.

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My plan is to take rest for a month before I join the camp again. I will also spend time at the Bhiwani Boxing Club to keep myself fit. As a build-up,we will compete in a few of the European Grand Prixes and AIBA tournaments,which will work as test events.

Has your boxing style changed since Beijing?

Not much,just that I play more freely now. Before Beijing,I did not have a reputation and people did not know me. The past two years have made me more responsible.

I have experienced lows and many losses. Its important for a boxer to experience low points and learn to take it on the chin with dignity.

Otherwise,it would be impossible to learn to pull yourself up and make successful comebacks. After the lows,I enjoy the high a lot more.