'I am focused on the job at hand'

The Beijing bronze medal-winning boxer, Vijender Singh, who is set to compete in his third Olympics, said he wants to remain oblivious at least to the pressure that comes with being one of the country’s biggest stars at the greatest sporting show on earth.

“I can understand there are expectations but I cannot keep thinking about them. My job is to focus on training and leave the rest to God. I prefer to shut my mind to everything else ahead of major competitions,” the Haryana man, who is competing in the 75 kg, said.

Vijender has earned his Olympic berth in the third and last chance at the Asian Olympic Qualifiers in April. But he prefers to pick the positives from the process instead of harping on the agonising wait he endured.

“It was all a part of the learning process. It made me tougher as a competitor. Yes, there have been low points but that’s part and parcel of being an international athlete. You can’t escape such phases. I am just glad that I came through,” said the strapping six-footer.

“Now the aim is another Olympic medal because that is what I will be remembered for. Being a three-time Olympian is fine but it would be better with a two-time medallist tag along with it,” he said.

“Olympics is a big stage and I would take all the responsibility that comes with being a senior boxer and ensure the youngsters are at ease,” he added. Four years since Beijing, a lot has changed in Indian boxing and in Vijender’s life too. He is a married man now but the boxer says that his relationship status has not affected the time he spends training ahead of any tournament.