Boxing World Championships: Made of blood, sweat & tears

Belgrade, November 2

Debutant Akash Kumar (54kg) secured India’s first medal at the ongoing AIBA World Boxing Championships here today after advancing to the semifinals with a superb win over former Olympics silver medallist Yoel Finol Rivas of Venezuela.

I dedicate this medal to my late mother and father Akash Kumar

The 21-year-old, who is the reigning national champion, prevailed 5-0 with a fabulous performance which was a perfect mix of powerful punching and great showmanship. However, Narender Berwal (+92kg) bowed out of the competition, out-maneuvered by Azerbaijan’s Mahammad Abdullayev. Berwal lost 0-5.

A product of the Army Sports Institute in Pune, Services boxer Akash lost his mother to a lung infection in September and competed in the national championships unaware of the tragedy. His father died more than a decade back after initiating him to boxing and brother’s in jail since 2017 in connection with a murder case.

“I dedicate this medal to my late mother and father and my coaches. I feel so proud to have done well,” Akash said.

India’s High Performance Director Santiago Nieva said: “His performance has earned him a lot of respect. For a debutant, he showed tremendous confidence against experienced boxers.” — PTI

Previous medallists at men’s Worlds

• Vijender Singh — Bronze (Milan, 2009)
• Vikas Krishan — Bronze (Baku, 2011)
• Shiva Thapa — Bronze (Doha, 2015)
• Gaurav Bidhuri — Bronze (Hamburg, 2017)
• Amit Panghal — Silver (Yekaterinburg, 2019)
• Manish Kaushik — Bronze (Yekaterinburg, 2019)