The 10-member Indian boxing team is confident of overcoming the tough challenge in the July 1-8 Asian Boxing Championships in Jordan, but there are areas of concern.
The team will be competing under the banner of the International Boxing Association (AIBA) as the ban on the Indian federation is yet to be revoked; hence no support staff is allowed to accompany the team. As a result, coaches will play the role of manager/masseur.
“It is a peculiar situation, but we have to face it,” said chief coach Gurbax Singh. But the players are happy at the prospect of collecting vital points. “A good performance will help us improving our global ranking,” said Manoj Kumar, who is competing in 64kg.
new Scoring system
The boxers will also have to deal with the new scoring system. Manoj, a CWG medallist, said, “We have to be aggressive from the start otherwise it will be difficult to catch up in the remaining rounds.” The players will be using headgear in the week-long competition.
The team members are keen to perform well as Gurbax is expected to retire shortly. “We want to give him a parting gift,” the team members said in unison.