Knockout punchline
Source: Newindpress on Sunday (Original Article)
Is our spectrum so starless? This is the query that haunts India before the official contingent embarks on any Olympic mission. This time though hopes hinge on the steely, unforgiving fists of a 22-year-old from the temple-clad town of Bhiwani — Vijender Singh. Given his credentials and appetite, the bouncy steed could upset the applecart in Beijing.
With his strapping frame, all of six feet and 75 kg, chiselled and toned like a Grecian deity, Vijender exudes an alpha-man-like aura. His tale to fame traverses the path of yesteryear Bollywood scripts — of a backwoods boy defying the odds to surface as a national hero (a podium finish in Beijing would ensure that). Despite his family’s low income (his father is a Haryana Roadways driver), his mother ensured for Vijender a high-protein diet, besides the financial support to pursue his passion.
Born in Bhiwani, the cradle of boxers, it was natural for young Vijender to embrace the sport his brother Manoj, himself a national champion, pursued. He was hardly in his teens when he donned Manoj’s sizeable gloves. Spotting his extraordinary talent, Sports Authority of India coach Jagdish Singh was quick to induct him into the Bhiwani Boxing Club. The stint gave him exposure in the national circuit and kindled his fire to bestride the hurdles and reign atop. And as he grew up, his dreams grew bigger.
Determined to succeed as he was, it didn’t take Vijender long to master the tricks of the pugilists’ trade. He was only 15 when he buckled twin national titles, both junior and senior. Further noteworthy performances earned him a berth in the 2004 Athens Olympics, a dream that was probably realised too early.
Blame it on big-stage blues or complacency, but Vijender succumbed to lesser-known Turk Mustafa Karagollu in the first round of the men’s light-welter category. Disappointed he was, but not disheartened. Taking the setback in its stride, Vijender St George Gold Low Rate Credit Card resumed practice. What followed were workouts, …continue reading