As per International Boxing Association’s ranking, Kavinder Singh Bisht recently climbed to 4th rank in the world. A pugilist of such a fame from Pithoragarh district’s Dharchula is all set for more proud moments. In an interview, the 25-year-old Junior Warrant Officer of Indian Air Force spoke at length about his career and achievements as boxer, and some other key issues. Here are excerpts from the interview:
Q: Currently, you are practising at National Institute of Sports (NIS), Patiala. Since boxing is a contact sport, it should be naturally tough to maintain mandatory distance due to fear of Covid-19. How much has it impacted your daily schedule?
A: Due to Covid-19, guidelines have been issued for practice without bouts and fights. So, we are not involving our sparring partner. All the training pertains to only fitness, running, and punching bags. Coaches are helping and we are maintaining social distance in vogue.
Q: How safe is NIS Patiala nowadays?
A: It is in a safe state. All the government SOPs regarding the pandemic are strictly followed here. Moreover, all the athletes and coaches are quite aware of the impact of corona.
Q: Where were you when the nationwide lockdown was announced? When did you reach NIS Patiala?
A: At the time of the announcement of lockdown, I was in Dehradun. Later, I moved to the Air Force boxing camp in Bangalore. I remained there for a week. After completing boxing training, I came here to NIS on 4 July. Since then, I am under the wings of Coach Santiago Nieva and C.A. Kuttapa.
Q: How is the training going on amid so many restrictions?
A: Well, we are working on basics and error corrections. Video lesson is a new method of teaching. I hope that normalcy will return soon.
Q: Only one qualifier is now left for Tokyo. It was scheduled in May but postponed. How are you assessing your chances of it?
A: Well, first I have to get through my Indian mates. Muhammad Hussamuddin, Gaurav Solanki, and Sachin Siwach are also contenders. I hope that I will earn a ticket to Tokyo.
Q: Boxing is no longer a Bhiwani-Imphal-centric game. What’s your take on the rapid growth of the sport?
A: There are more than one reason for its exponential reach. Job prospects, richer promotional avenues, cash incentives on winning any international tournament, etc are some of the many reasons. Also, people are now starting to believe that sports provide physical fitness and enjoyment throughout life. So besides studies, many parents are now pushing their kids towards sports.
Q: In this time, there are many reasons for gaining weight. How are you maintaining your shape and rhythm?
A: Due to depleted exercise, it’s tough to maintain the shape but we are going fine. Everyone knows that if you are at home, there are higher chances of gaining weight. At our campus in NIS Patiala, we follow physical activity routine to avoid weight gain. Our nutritionists, dieticians, and team are also keeping a strict vigil.
Q: Now, let’s walk down to memory lane. You fought your best fight against World Champion Kairat Yeraliyev of Kazakhstan in the 2019 Asian Boxing Championship. That QF win catapulted you to the spotlight around the world. How will you recall that moment?
A: You might not believe that before the fight, I did not know that I am going to face World champion. My coach and staff also kept me in dark about the heavy reputation of Kazak pugilist. My coach gave me some tips before the fight. He told me to be aggressive, follow my natural guard up approach, and reach close to him. I followed suit and got the result of my life.
Q: But despite being fancy for Gold, you have to settle for the shocking silver. Any comment?
A: In the semifinal, I bruised heavily. Fight with Mongolian boxer left me with few scabs and a cut over the eye. Despite limitations, I fought with 100% of my potential. The decision of the jury still bemuses me. I believe that I should have been in the middle of the podium. Anyways, that’s what life is all about.
Q: Can you forecast the number of medals Indian boxers could win in Tokyo?
A: All the 9 qualified so far (a record) is in red hot form. Most of them are at respectable world ranking. Naturally, it gives one a psychological advantage. I am expecting the best-ever show from all my mates.
Q: Two unlucky losses in 2 QFs of successive World Cups denied you a sure medal. It must be very hurting?
A: Yes, it is like so near yet so far. I met this ugly fate in 2017 and 2019. Hopefully, in the next edition, I will return with a medal around my neck.
Q: Do you have any suggestions for the improvement of boxing in India?
A: Sometimes I rue that boxing did not receive the attention that it deserves. Media should play a better role in the proliferation of positive inspiring stories related to the game of gloves. I dream of a day when it will be treated at par with Cricket.
Q: You have praised Akhil Kumar on many forums? Please stretch your affection for him.
A: He has been my role model ever since I started punching the bag. I love his technical aspects. He loves guard down method. He introduced the techniques that were ahead of its time. I was adjudged best boxer in the 2014 National Inter-University Boxing Championship. Akhil sir gave me the honors on stage. I am lucky that I am still getting his priceless advice and wishes on a regular frequency. 2 more boxers I would like to mention. The first one is Shiv Thapa. He is one of my best friends. The second, Duryodhan Singh Negi is my roommate on the NIS campus. I am envious of his zeal at the age of 34 years (laughs).
Q: So much negativity is in the air. Any message for people…
A: Always maintain a positive state of mind. Remain confident. Never crush your dream due to some abrupt hiccups. Corona is a phase. It will pass soon. Stay strong, work hard and you will surely achieve your goal.
