Q. What does your lockdown routine look like?
A. I am in my hometown village in Rohtak for most of the time. I am fortunate that my coach resides in a nearby village. So I’ve been continuously seeking his guidance and remaining in training. I have been practicing regularly, even on Sundays.
I can say I am in perfect shape. I am focusing and training hard. The lockdown has affected me but little in my quest for a medal in Tokyo.
Q. Why did you prefer lighter weight categories for your career?
A. First I tried to shift in a 59 kg bracket. But that was not an Olympic division. So I focused on 52 kg. It also suits me as I am not too tall. I could avoid taller boxers of upper weight divisions in 52kg. So I stuck with it.
Q. Tell us something about the earlier phases of your sporting life?
A. It was in 2009 when I earned a bronze in the state sub-junior boxing championship. In the next edition, I upgraded it to Gold. In the National sub-junior, I produced the same result. I was bursting with confidence. But feud among officials erupted and I could not do anything praiseworthy. In the 2016 National championship, I stood first.
Q. During the Asian Games in Jakarta, You were up against World number one, Rio Olympic gold medalist Hasanboy Dusmatov of Uzbekistan. Tell us something about that.
A. I had already lost twice against him. I knew that he was a bazooka pugilist. His USP is his jumping left hook. I soaked his robust anger and produced a fitting reply whenever required. The inout strategy also worked. I am still thrilled that I earned the gold medal for the nation. Even next year in Bangkok, I outpunched him again at a stronger note. In the Quarter Finals of Asian championship the score was better, 4-1 [smiles].
Q. What went wrong in the finals of the World Boxing Championship?
A. I and my team are still clueless. I fought well, landed aggressive blows, and connected the punches with finesse. Still, the score-line of 5-0 baffles me. We watched the video again and again but still have no answer for that decision by the jury.
Q. You beat Carlo Paalam for a ticket to Tokyo. That was your 3rd win over the Filipino. Please share your experience?
A. It was at Jordan that I achieved this feat. I am delighted that I qualified for the biggest sporting stage in the world. Though it has been shifted I am waiting eagerly for it.
Q. What would you love to do when you are not inside the ring?
A. I love to be among friends. I also like my family. This lockdown provided me ample time for it.
Q. How do you see the immediate future of Indian Boxing?
A. The boxers are highly motivated. Already a record number of boxers has qualified for Tokyo. As a team, I expect 3-4 medals from the Olympic arena. Moreover, I feel they will be of the first or second position. I am working hard for a medal.
Q. Would you tell our readers something about your family?
A. Well, I am from an agrarian background. My father Vijender Singh is a farmer. My elder brother Ajay is my mentor for boxing. He was a boxer in his days. Taking a lot of cues from him, I started pursuing the sport from the age of 12.
Q. What are your expectations from the government?
A. I want the efforts of my coach to be recognised. I want to see him winning the Dronacharya award first. After that, I would want to win more medals and awards in my career. I also want my coach to accompany me to the Olympics.
Q. You are a hero for many. Any message you want to give to youth?
A. Few but important words. Set a target and practice more and more and more to achieve it.
