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When pint-sized L Devendro Singh was named in the pugilists list for the selection trial ahead of World Championships in Baku, not many took him seriously. There were other well-known boxers like former Asian youth champion Nanao Singh and CWG medallist Amandeep Singh. This 19-year-old new entrant in the national camp was not expected to make the cut for World Championship, but he surprised all. “I didn’t think my name would figure in the list for selection trials in the first place,” says Devendro recalling his call-for the trials.
The coy Manipur lad is the new sensation in Indian boxing and his exploits have earned him a berth for the London Olympics. In an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda.com, Devendro talks about how he developed a keen interest towards boxing and his sister and international boxer L Susheela Devi’s role as a mentor. Excerpts:
How did you develop an interest towards boxing?
I started boxing in 2002. My elder sister L Susheela Devi is an international boxer and I used to go watch her in the rink a lot. My father is a farmer and apart from my sister nobody in the family knew much about boxing. In 2003, I went and joined the Pune Army Sports. I was very influenced by my sister’s game. I used to go every Saturday Sunday to watch her fight in the ring. I used to imitate her style at home. I think most of what I have learnt is by watching her.
I was only 12 years old when I left home. My sister used to visit me often and tell me a lot on how to play; my sister’s support has been tremendous.
How are your preparations coming along for Olympics? Are you working on anything particular?
We are all based here in Patiala and training is going on very well. Next month we will go on an exposure tour abroad. My co-ordination during the bout was less so I am working on my foot movement now. I am also learning a few new techniques. Everyone is taking good care of us.
Tell us about your qualifying? You actually took everyone by surprise.
It happened by chance actually. I had gone home for a holiday and didn’t quite expect them to put my name in the selection trials for World Championship. I was asked to attend the trials. I was thinking there are other seniors like Nanao and didn’t think I would make it. I didn’t know I would be in the team. My hard work during training paid off and I did well in the trial and got selected. It was my first World Championship and it turned out to be very good.
Is there anyone in the team who you look up to and learn from?
Yes. Suranjoy and I stay in the same room. I share a lot with him. He tells me my mistakes and helps me correct myself. Nanao Singh too has been very helpful that way. We three are quite close and are always together.
Do you follow any other sports? Maybe cricket?
Cricket? Not at all. I love football. Whenever I get some time off training, we get together and play football. Actually every Sunday evening, we are happily involved in a football match.
The Olympic Gold Quest supports you. How helpful have they been so far?
OGQ took me on board much before my qualification. They have given a lot of support so far. Injuries are a greatest worry for athletes and these people are of tremendous help when someone from OGQ suffers from injury. When I got injured, the OGQ physio was always there to take care of me. Their involvement in my progress is tremendous.
Mary Kom too is a part of OGQ. Do you get to talk to her and learn something from her?
I wish I could, but she trains separately and we train separately. We don’t really get an opportunity to meet.
Are u planning to take your parents to London?
London? No! No! I won’t take them and go. I don’t talk to anyone while going for a bout. Actually, for about a month before I went for the World Championship I didn’t speak to anyone from my family. It was only when I came back that I spoke to them. By nature I am like that. I am very soft spoken and don’t speak too much.
You are seeing success at a very young age. Are u getting used to getting all the attention and talking to the media?
No, I am not at all used to talking to the media. I am very shy. When someone would come and tell me someone has come to interview you, I used to go and hide. (smiles) I don’t like to speak before achieving something I have set out to do. I am training well and working hard to win a medal. I think what I speak would I want to talk after winning.
