In boxing, ASI had six representatives of which two won gold, one won silver and three won bronze medals. Wrestling saw a solitary representative in Ajit Patil who won gold in the 42 kg category. Three weightlifters, who underwent a training camp in the ASI, won silver medals.

Colonel Satpal Ahlawat, commandant of the ASI, said that intense training of the athletes was the key to success. “I am delighted with the performance of these athletes of the ASI. They trained hard and were focused on their objective. They set a target to secure medals and achieved it.”

The ASI had conducted a six-month rigorous coaching camp for the three disciplines — boxing, weightlifting and wrestling. “The training was specific and scientific. Wrestling coach Piararam Sondhi conducted a thorough training camp at the institute. The atmosphere for training was good as there were a variety of wrestlers for the competitors to practice with.

Boxing coach Luis Enrique, who is from Cuba, has done a fantastic job with the young pugilists. Weightlifting coach Imre Zsuga from Hungary is very experienced and has given the young weightlifters some valuable advice,” said the Colonel.

Now, the ASI is training its athletes to win medals at the Asian Games. “We will judge our performance on the basis of the Asian Games rather that the Commonwealth games. Our target for the Asian Games is not less than 4 medals.”

In CYG, the ASI had no representations for athletics. Colonel Ahlawat said that the athletes, training at the ASI, were too young. “We started our junior athletes programme only in 2006 and hence the athletes were in the age group 14-16 years. We did not have athletes in the age group of 18 and below. However, they are working hard to win medals at the Asian Games.”