India's team captain Vijender Singh has just returned from New York where he bagged a gold medal at the World Police Games. He has now joined the national squad with the dream of a World Championships title in mind.
The Indian hero entered the national team in 2003 by winning a silver medal at the Afro-Asian Games at the age 18. Since then, Singh has competed in two Olympic Games and the bronze medal he won in Beijing offered him as well as India a huge breakthrough in the world of boxing.
The Indian national team has travelled to Bugeat, France, where the weather conditions are similar to the ones expected in Baku. Therefore the 12-days training camp has helped the team to acclimatise to the European environment. Listening to the Indians head coach, Mr. Sandhu, the training camp has really brought up the boxers confidence.
India's biggest prospect, Vikash Krishan Yadav, was AIBA Cadet World Champion in 2007 then AIBA Youth World Champion last year in Baku. He made his debut at the Elite level for the Asian Games and unexpectedly defeated all of his rivals to secure another gold medal in Guangzhou. Since then, the 19-year-old super talent went up two divisions from lightweight to welterweight and it will be interesting to see how quickly he can adapt to this extremely huge change.
Asian Youth Championships silver medallist, 19-year-old Laishram Devendro Singh, had an impressive National Trials where he shocked his rivals such as World Youth Champion Nanao Thokchom Singh and Asian Championships silver medallist Amandeep Singh. Thanks to this great performance from August, he is now part of the national team.
Asian Champion and Commonwealth Games winner, Suranjoy Mayengbam Singh, is India's top flyweight boxer and will participate in his third AIBA World Championships. His best result so far is a Top 8 performance but he will hope for at least a bronze medal in Baku.
Veteran, 30-year-old bantamweight Akhil Kumar, dreams to qualify for his third Olympic Games. Despite the fact that he had just a few contests this year, he will be one to watch in Baku.
Asian Championships silver medallist, Jai Bhagwan Singh, is the best Indian lightweight boxer and he will fight to secure his place in London. Commonwealth Games winner, Manoj Kumar, secured his place in the Indian top team thanks to the selection trials in August.
AIBA World Championships quarter-finalist, Dinesh Kumar, has recently suffered from a few unexpected defeats but he should be able to find his winning way back. Last but not least, Asian Games silver medallist, 23-year-old Manpreet Singh, had a great season while Commonwealth Games winner, Paramjeet Samota, tried to fight in the heavyweight class this year but finally returned to his original super heavyweight.
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