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Two days after India rejoiced at the news of National Men’s Hockey team earning an Olympic berth, the country’s medal prospects have been dealt a harsh blow. One of the nation’s most talented boxers, Akhil Kumar’s dreams of representing India at the 2012 London Olympics have been shattered by the revelation that the pugilist is overweight and can not reduce his weight within the stipulated time.
With boxing having already earned India an Olympic medal in 2008 and women’s boxing being included at the Games for the first time, the sport is considered as a serious bet for delivering a couple of medals this time. But the Arjuna Awardee boxer’s omission from the team heading for the Olympic qualification is going to mar the excitement surrounding the expectations from the pugilists.
Kumar who is a two-time Olympian has been a member of Mumbai Fighters, one of the franchisees included in the World Series of Boxing (WSB), the annual boxingfest that involves some of the biggest boxers from all over the world. Although he was not fortunate enough to exhibit his boxing skills even in a single match at this global event, he had been practising hard for the 61 kg event. But the bantamweight category qualification criterion permits boxers weighing 56 kg and Kumar was found exceeding the limit by two kgs when he attended the trials at Patiala.
Akhil confessed that he had pulled his calf muscle which led to his inability in reducing weight. With March 3rd being the deadline for the completion of all formalities regarding the team that is to be sent for the Asian Continental Olympic Qualification to be held in Astana, Kazakhstan from April 5. Even though Akhil rues the fact that as a senior boxer his plea of two extra weeks could have been considered, the Indian Amateur Boxing Federation had no choice but to reject his plea.
This event is of utmost importance as the Olympic quotas are up for grabs. In Akhil’s absence, much of the attention will be on the seasoned members, Olympic Bronze Medallist, Vijender Singh (75 kg), Paramjit Singh Samota (91+ kg),, Manpreet Singh (91 Kg), M. Suranjoy (52 kg) and a host of youngsters, Sumit Sangwan (81 kg) and Shiva Thapa (56 kg).
The Indian team will be departing for Astana on first of April.
