This boxer knows his punch-lines too

Beijing saw Akhil Kumar fight like a lion to beat world champion Sergey Vodopyanov of Russia in the Bantamweight pre quarterfinals.

Beijing saw Akhil Kumar fight like a lion to beat world champion Sergey Vodopyanov of Russia in the Bantamweight pre quarterfinals. This 27-year-old Indian made history on Independence Day, giving the country a chance to dream. Themacr; senior-most of the Bhiwani boxers can be credited to have started the buzz at Beijing that went on to become a booming victory-song, capped by Vijender Singh8217;s eventual bronze medal.

When asked how he felt after defeating the world champion, Akhil Kumar said he still felt exultant. 8216;Oh it feels great. Now when I think of that match, I get the same good feeling,8217; he added.

In the quarter final match that followed, however, it was not his day. 8220;I admit that I lost to a better opponent. When the draw was called I did not have the slightest hope of going all the way to the quarters. That itself was a great achievement,8221; he says.

About his overall experience in Beijing, Akhil had no complaints. 8220;They looked after me very well. Things were completed on time.8221; He compared the response of the officials to a bulb vis-a-vis a tube light. 8220;An incandescent bulb comes on immediately when it is switched on. A tube still flickers. The officials were like the bulb,8221; he quipped.

Speaking about the boxers who would be representing India at the Commonwealth Youth Games in the city, he said, 8220;I am very hopeful about them. They are hard working and I am sure they will perform to the best of their ability. I am very optimistic about the youth of our country. They are now getting good sponsors, so they should put it the required effort on their part.8221;

Akhil and his contemporaries will play a vital part as role models for the youngsters. And he insisted that it was a legacy that needed to be carried forward with the same zeal and commitment. 8220;We have put the country on the international map as far as boxing is concerned. We have carved a path. Now it is up to the youngsters to maintain that pace and create new roads so they carry on the glory. I would love to advise the juniors and give them invaluable tips. At the same time I have not given up learning. I am still seeking knowledge and I welcome any kind of good advice. This much I know though 8211; I will never stay away from boxing. I would like to serve this sport as best as I can,8221; he added.

He is currently training for the World Cup that is scheduled to take place in December. 8220;I started training a little late. It is nobody8217;s fault really. I was getting over the loss of Beijing. It was a big set back for me, and I took time out to recover. But I am gearing up now and training is underway. I am very focused,8221; he informed.

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What8217;s worth emulating is also his attitude 8211; to not settle for second-best, ever. 8220;According to me there is only one medal, and that is the Gold medal. I admire Abhinav Bindra. He has reached the pinnacle of success. I respect all my co athletes and the effort they put in, but for me it is either gold or nothing,8221; he stressed.

The message he would like to give the readers is, to dream big! 8220;For me a dream is not something you experience after sleeping. For me it is a realization of the hard work and concentration, the sweat and toil and the ambition that comes out of it,8221; he signed off.