Aggressive-minded boxers target glory

Guwahati, May 19 

With six gold medals last year, the Indian contingent is confident of putting up a better show as the second edition of the India Open kicks off here tomorrow.

Having trained rigorously, Indian pugilists are ready to show their supremacy at the India Open despite some stiff international competition.

“We have been training boxers for the last few months in a way that they understand the need to switch from defensive to offensive mode faster, and make it effective as well,” said Santiago Nieva, India’s high-performance director.

“It has resulted in many of our boxers becoming attacking and aggressive-minded, yet able to hold their ground when needed,” he added.

The training helped India register unprecedented success at the Asian Championships last month, where the country accounted for a rich haul of 13 medals and also benefited individual boxers. “I have changed my game. Even at the last Asian Championships, I played much more freely. I am more aggressive now. This is the style of boxing I have adopted and our coaches are helping me with my technique,” said Shiva Thapa.

With 16 countries participating in the second edition of the India Open, close to 200 boxers will be vying for the podium. — IANS