Although three Indian boxers are just one step away from getting medals in boxing and Amit Panghal and Simranjit Kaur are yet to compete, things have not happened as expected. This is not the time to criticise anyone but pray for the entire Indian contingent including these boxers.
Lovlina played very well. She used the whole ring well but she could have done better. Super heavyweight boxer Satish definitely won against Jamaican boxer but did not show much movement. In the super heavyweight category, I saw only Paramjit Samota and Satish fight bravely. They are the brave boxers of the country. Now his next bout is with the world champion boxer of Uzbekistan. I am sure his courage will definitely be visible in this important contest.
Actually, no competition is easy at this level. Pooja Rani also played well. However, there were some technical shortcomings in her game like body balance and then she did not show the experience for which she is known. She has won gold twice in the Asian Championship. The boxer she was brought up with did not have much experience. What to say about pugilist MC Mary Kom, she is a legend but it was shocking to know about her exit from Tokyo Olympics.
Two big contenders for our medals — Amit Panghal and Simranjit Kaur are yet to come. I have high hopes for both of them. Amit is a South Paw boxer and is known for his stellar performances. Simranjit Kaur, on the other hand, has a strong willpower, due to which she can make a big bang at the Kokugikan Arena in Tokyo. I will just go back and repeat my point that good footwork and body movement is very important in the sport of boxing. Hopefully in the next few days, I expect some good work from the Indian boxers.
Despite all this, I regret that from the Government of India, Sports Authority of India and all its schemes, the Prime Minister’s interaction with the players before the Olympics and the Sports Minister always being ahead – all these things can prove to be tonic for sports and sportspersons. If the requisite medals do not come, there must be a review of Indian performance.
There is a similar review system in cricket, other sports need to learn from them. That’s why that game is called Gentleman’s Game. I sincerely wish for our team to have our coach, our own support staff. When we have all the resources, it is very important to have a review on this whole issue.
(The writer is a former Olympian and Arjuna Award winning boxer)