I would love to represent India for the next 10 years: Akhil Kumar

Akhil Kumar’s name is synonymous with Indian boxing for a long time now. He has been instrumental in the development of boxing in India and is considered a role model to many young pugilists across the country. In an exclusive interview with Sambhav Khetarpal for Sportskeeda, the Arjuna Awadee and CWG gold medalist talks about his preparations for the Olympic qualifiers, WSB, India’s chances in London and setting up his very own boxing academy.

The Asian qualifiers in Astana will be your final chance to book a ticket to London. How has your preparation been going for that event?

Well, I am trying my level best to crack the final chance to book a ticket to London.

Any special measures you are taking to get yourself ready for the qualifiers?

At present, I am competing in WSB which is comparatively tougher than Olympic Style Boxing. So, preparations and intensity of training for WSB is comparatively tougher than Olympic Style Boxing because there are 3 minutes and 3 rounds in Olympic Style Boxing while there are 3 minutes 5 rounds in WSB. Also, it is the first time in my boxing career that after competing in WSB, I will participate in Olympics Style boxing.

How are your fitness levels at the moment? Have you fully recovered from your calf injury?

I am feeling in shape (physically as well as mentally). Well, I feel I have recovered from the calf muscle injury. I am feeling better but you cannot say fully recovered.

Will the calf injury affect your footwork while boxing?

It does so, but I do know other techniques, strategies and tactics to manage in a bout to win it.

With just 3 quota places available in your weight division for an Olympic berth, do you think it’ll be a tough task for you to qualify for London?

Well, you are right. It is going to be tough one. But as I mentioned earlier, I will try my level best. And when we compete in a tough competition, there is more pressure to do well for country which makes you achieve the respective target by indulging your full potential.

You are 30 years old now, will London 2012 be the last time we will see Akhil Kumar inside a ring in Olympics?

As per the AIBA (International Boxing Association) guidelines, the age limit for the Olympic Style Boxing is up to 34 years. I have crossed 30 years and approaching 31. As far as Olympic Style Boxing is concerned, I can prepare myself for the upcoming Olympics. And there is IOC and AIBA policy to give relaxation in age for the player of 34 years to participate in the Olympics if he desires to participate in coming Olympics.

Also, the world body of Olympic Style Boxing AIBA is going to start APB (AIBA Professional Boxing) in which age limit is 40 years. As I said, I have crossed 30 years and will soon turn 31, so there are 10 more years I can represent my lovely nation at international podium and bring laurels to the nation.

Does it put additional pressure on you to make sure you qualify for London 2012 in Astana?

Yes, a little bit. But I know myself, I will perform well.

With young boxers like Vikas Krishnan (69kg), Manoj Kumar (64kg), Jai Bhagwan (60kg) and Devendro Singh already booking their place in the Olympics, do you think Indian boxing has grown a lot in the last few years? What do you have to say about these youngsters?

You are absolutely right. After the 2008 Beijing Olympics, there has been a sudden boom in boxing in India. Indian boxing has grown a lot in the last few years. The upcoming youngster boxers like Vikas, Manoj, Jai and Devendro are performing very well. My heartiest wishes are with them that each one of them achieve the first ever Olympic Gold medal in Boxing for India.

What do think about India’s medal chances in London? Do you think we can do better than Beijing this time around?

Yes, we will surely perform better than Beijing. I am sure the results of London 2012 will speak very loudly of a bright future of Boxing in India.

We have heard that you are opening a boxing academy in Rohtak named ‘Akhil Kumar Boxing Club and Fitness Society’. Tell us more about it.

You have heard correct. I have opened the ‘Akhil Kumar Boxing Club and Fitness Society’ in Rohtak. Though the training in the club started from January 1^st 2011, but official inauguration of the club was held on 14^th January 2012. This club is for the boxers and by the boxers. Akhil Kumar Boxing Club & Fitness Society (AKBC) was the idea evolved in the core of the hearts of International Boxers like myself, Jitender Kumar, Subodh Kumar, Jasveer Singh, Diwakar Prasad, Dilbag Singh and Sanjay Singh. These boxers belong to the middle class families. As they have come from the middle class of the society, so during their playing days, they have faced many practical problems. They all very well know the hardship and dedication required to grow up the steady crop of good boxers.

The Main aim of the AKBC is to produce the world class boxers at Junior, Youth and Elite level who can raise the National Flag at the International Podium. Following are the main objectives of the AKBC:

To produce International level boxers.
To provide best to best boxing training to the boxers from all over India.
To motivate the Indian Youth to participate in sports (Boxing) and thus remain away from the bad elements of the society. That is Proper channelization of the Indian Youth.
To explore the latent talent in the boys and make them to learn boxing skills.

At present the Chief Trainer of the club is Mr. Subodh Kumar. About 40 boxers are learning boxing skills in the club. The club is basically situated in Rohtak city. Time to time the other team members like myself, Jitender Kumar, Jasveer Singh, Diwakar Prasad, Dilbag Singh and Sanjay Singh visit the club to share the boxing tips with the club boxers.

You have been part of the World Series Boxing(WSB). Do you think such a tournament can help in the commercial growth of boxing in India?

Yes, absolutely. WSB can help in the commercial growth of boxing in India.

Finally, where do we see Akhil Kumar five years from now?

Five years from now, I want to see myself with an Olympic medal, serving my nation by promoting the sport of Boxing and sharing my experiences with upcoming boxers in India.

Any message you would like to give to your fans.

Well, my dear friends, just pray for me and let your prayers make me win more medals for India.