Hand in glove with passion

How does it feel to have qualified for the Olympics?
The Olympics is a dream come true; I was ecstatic. It is an honour to represent one’s country on such a prestigious platform, so I am training even harder and I hope to make my country proud.

How did you get into this sport? Who was your inspiration?
I love boxing and have always been very passionate about the game. My biggest inspiration is my father; he always encourages me to follow my dreams and has been a huge support every step of the way.

Besides the skills and talent, what else do you think is required to be a boxing champion?
Love for the sport. To be a champion in any sport, you need to be passionate about it and that is when you will excel in it. The same applies for boxing. I am passionate about boxing and truly enjoy the game.

Who do you feel would give you the toughest competition at the Olympics?
Every player is a tough competition because everyone is very good at the sport. At the end of the day, you are your toughest competition and just have to practice very hard and work on your technique.

Do you feel that acceptance for boxing as a sport has changed over the past few years?
In our country, boxing as a sport is just receiving the recognition that it deserves. What players need is support and training. We have excellent boxers in India, but very often they don’t receive support from parents or the government. But the scenario is changing and boxing as a sport is becoming popular among the masses.

Boxing isn’t as popular a sport as cricket. Did you ever feel that you should have pursued another career? Were there times when you felt frustrated because of lack of support and recognition of this sport?
No. I have been very passionate about the sport since the very beginning and its lack of popularity did not do anything to change my mind. In fact, it motivates me to prove myself and do my bit to make boxing popular in India.

In boxing, Vijender Singh is the known name. How is his training different from yours? Would you say luck plays a major role in winning?
Vijender Singh is an experienced boxer and he is very good at his game. More than luck, your determination, love for the sport and hard work play a huge role in winning.

Mexico has produced many boxing champions. Where do you think we lack when compared to Mexico?
Boxing as a sport is given more recognition in Mexico. Boxing in Mexico is like cricket in India. So once the sport is given enough recognition and support, the players also are motivated to perform better, and this change is slowly taking place.

According to you, what can be done to tap more boxing talent in India?
India has many talented boxers who would do wonderfully if given the right support and encouragement. I would like to ask parents to support their children when it comes to taking up sports.