New Delhi, August 26: Taking inspiration from their outstanding display at Beijing Olympics, Indian boxers will be looking to win the country its first medal in World Championships in Milan, Italy, Sept 1-12.
Led by Olympic bronze medallist Vijender Singh, an eight-member Indian team would be participating in the competition.
An upbeat Vijender said they are hopeful to break the country’s medal jinx at the World Championships.
“India have never won a medal at the World Championships. We know that after our performance in Olympics there will be pressure on us to perform. We want to win medals this time, like we did in Beijing Olympics,” Vijender said Wednesday.
“We have practised hard for the tournament and are ready to face the challenge,” he said.
Indian boxers created history in Beijing last year with Vijender becoming the first Indian boxer to win a bronze medal at Olympics. Two other boxers Akhil Kumar and Jitender had bowed out just a bout away from medals in the quarterfinal.
Akhil, who would be playing in the featherweight category (57kg) for the first time, said he would go all out to win a medal.
“I am confident that India will put up a good show in the World Championships. I will give my best to win a medal,” said Akhil.
“The following of the sport has grown after Olympics. The boxers have also performed well in international tournaments and it has raised the profile of the sport,” said Akhil.
Indian coach Gurbax Singh Sandhu said the competition will be tough at the World Championships.
“But we have a strong team and we are well-prepared,” said Sandhu.
While the team departs Thursday, Vijender and assistant coach Jaidev Bisht would stay back to receive the Khel Ratna and the Dronacharya award respectively from President Patil. They would leave after the investiture on Aug 29 night.
“It is a dream come true for me and I did not want to miss it,” Vijender said about the honour.
—IANS