At the 2012 London Olympics, he was a rank rookie trying to get a feel of the big stage; probably he himself was not expecting to go the distance. Four years later, Vikas Krishan is backing himself to bag a medal at the upcoming Rio Olympics 2016 in the same weight category iconic Vijender Singh had cornered glory at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
The 24-year-old Haryana lad is leaving no stone unturned to make this opportunity count. “I genuinely believe that I can make a podium finish in Rio. I reached the semifinals of the recent World Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Baku comfortably - none of my opponents really tested me which shows that I’m in peak form ahead of the Olympics,” Vikas says oozing with confidence.
The Haryana Police DSP does not believe there is anything called ‘favourites’ in boxing. “In boxing you can beat anyone and lose to anyone – everything is decided in a matter of few minutes. So I don’t think this or that pugilist is the favourite to win a medal,” he makes his point.
The 2011 World Championship bronze medallist, which paved the way for his qualification for the 2012 London Olympics, has got over his controversial first round bout against American Errol Spence – a bout which generated huge amount of controversy as Vikas was first declared the winner before the decision was withdrawn and the American was declared the winner, as the judges had initially not taken into account the fouls committed by the Indian.
“The 2012 Olympics is history now. I have moved on from that bout as there is little point in thinking about it. I’m trying to stay positive,” he quips.
The lack of a boxing federation has hurt Indian boxing big-time – Vikas agrees that it will soon become a scenario when young boxers will try to turn pro. “Absence of a federation means no national level tournaments and training camps – what incentive our young boxers have? I will not be surprised if they opt for professional boozing,’ he signs off.
One hopes that Vikas lands that ‘killer’ punch which enables his countrymen to erupt into joyous celebrations and rekindle the memories of Vijender’s Beijing feat.
