Wounded Vijender seeks Asiad redemption

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 twice just 30 seconds before the finish. Vijender’s protest against the referee’s decision fell on deaf ears.

“Since the Commonwealth Games ended, I’ve been hearing only about about my semifinal loss. 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.