For Manoj, it is all about revenge

If outclassing Serdar Hudayberdiyev of Turkmenistan 13-7 on Tuesday was a high for Manoj Kumar, the 64kg boxer is ready for a sterner test. Saurabh Duggal reports.

If outclassing Serdar Hudayberdiyev of Turkmenistan 13-7 on Tuesday was a high for Manoj Kumar, the 64kg boxer is ready for a sterner test.

Up next is England's Stalker Thomas and victory will not only get Manoj a place in the quarterfinals, which is a step away from the medal round, it will also allow him to get even.

Manoj had lost to Thomas in the quarterfinal of the World championship last year. "I lost a golden chance to be on the podium. But now, I won't let the opportunity slip and will settle scores," Manoj told HT after winning his first round bout.

"Today, I entered the arena with the aim of making India proud and in the next bout too, I won't let a billion hopes fade," he added.

Nervous start
Appearing in his maiden Olympics, Manoj was nervous. But as the bout progressed, he settled into a rythym.

"Thinking about the Olympics and being there are different ball games. When I stepped into the ring, I was nervous and could not play my natural game. In the second round that a powerful punch slowed down the Turkmenistan boxer and I built on the moment," said Manoj. "Thank God, I settled down. Now, I am not new to the Olympic arena."

Five Indian boxers --- Devendro Singh (49kg), Jai Bhagwan (56kg), Vikas Krishan (69kg), Vijender Singh (75kg) and Manoj have booked their place in the pre-quarterfinals.

"We are prepared for the next round and, like in the opening bouts, I am hopeful everyone will give their best," said national coach GS Sandhu.

"Though the round of 16 will not be easy, the manner in which all of them won their opening bouts is commendable and it will be a big motivation," he added.

"We are ready for the challenge. At the Olympics, no bout is easy and we are taking each bout as the final one," said Vijender.