Only an Asian Games gold will erase CWG memories: Vijender

NEW DELHI - Beijing Olympic bronze medallist Vijender Singh Monday vowed to make up for his semi-final loss at the Commonwealth Games with a gold medal at the upcoming Asian Games at Guangzhou, China from Nov 12.

Vijender, a hot favourite to win gold at the Commonwealth Games, had to be content with a bronze after he lost to England’s Anthony Ogogo in a close 75kg bout that was going the Indian’s way till he was penalised just 30 seconds before the finish. Vijender’s protest against the referee’s decision fell on deaf ears.

“Since the Commonwealth Games ended, I am only getting to hear about my semi-final loss in Delhi. I am disappointed and I will try to make up for it with a gold at the Asian Games,” said Vijender on the sidelines of a felicitation ceremony of the Commonwealth Games medal winners.

Indian boxers won three gold and four bronze medals at the Games and were upbeat about the performance at the Asian Games.

They, however, said the competition in China will be a lot stiffer since world-class boxers from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan will be in the hunt for medals.

Suranjoy, riding high on the Commonwealth Games success, is unperturbed by the presence of stronger opponents in China.

“Our opponents will be tougher to beat, but we are no pushovers. We will give them a fight and aim for the gold. We have received good training in the last two years and there is no reason why we cannot replicate the Delhi success there,” said Asian champion Suranjoy, who won gold at the Commonwealth Games in the 52kg category.

Another boxer Dilbag Singh, who won bronze in the 69 kg, said he has beaten the Asian boxers before and is confident to do well at Guangzhou.

“We don’t fear anyone. I have defeated boxers from China and Uzbekistan in the past. We will take a week’s rest and start training again,” said Dilbag.

Chief coach G.S. Sandhu said the boys are basking in the glory of the Delhi Games and it is too early to predict what will happen next month.

“I haven’t got the time to sit back and assess our medal chances at the Asian Games. The whole squad needs rest. The challenge no doubt will be tougher than here,” said Sandhu.

Paramjeet Samota (+91 kg) and Manoj Kumar (64) are the other two gold medallists while Amandeep Singh (49kg) and Jai Bhagwan (60) are the two bronze winners apart from Vijender and Dilbag.

The boxers were Monday awarded cash prize of Rs.3 lakh each for gold medal, and Rs.1 lakh for bronze by Monnet Group, an energy and power firm. The company also signed a contract of $1 million with the boxing federation to become a team and kit sponsor for the next three years.