When the Indian men’s boxing contingent leaves on August 27 for the World Boxing Championships in Milan, most of the boxers in the team will be looking for motivation to a compatriot who has won five medals, including four golds, in the women’s event on the same big stage.

With 19 medals in the women’s world championships, MC Mary Kom will be an inspiration for the men, who have never won a medal in the world event. “I grew up watching Mary Kom. Our coach at Vishnupur used to show us recordings of Mary’s bouts. One of the reasons I took part in the 48kg category was Mary’s success in the same section early in her career,” says Nanao Singh, a silver medallist in the 2009 Asian championships and the 2008 world youth champion.

Nanao and Suranjoy Singh, who ended India’s 15-year-old wait for gold in the Asian Boxing Championship this year, have been in constant touch with Mary for some time now, discussing various aspects of high-level competition with the current 45kg world champion. “We have been sharing inputs with her and she has only one piece of advice for us: be mentally strong,” adds Nanao.

Suitable conditions

Naming boxers from Cuba and South America as their toughest rivals, Akhil Kumar says the European conditions would suit the Indian team. “A lot has changed since the last world championships in Chicago, particularly since some new rules have been put into effect. We haven’t faced any of the Cuban or South American boxers in the past ten months, but our Asian and European experience will count,” says Akhil Kumar.

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