Gift of the jab

Amit Panghal is a strong contender for an Olympic medal

PTI PTI

ON SEPTEMBER 22, as Amit Panghal was preparing for the final of the 52kg category at the world boxing championships in Russia, his brother Ajay, back in Rohtak, was setting up the YouTube channel livestreaming the fight. Family and neighbours had gathered in the open courtyard of the house to watch their boy win the big one. Funnily enough, they thought they were watching the regular telecast. They did not know of livestreaming, or that Ajay had launched YouTube on the television. Regardless, they cheered on. The last hurray, however, was out of reach. Panghal lost 5-0 to the reigning Olympic champion Shakhobidin Zoirov of Uzbekistan.

The scoreline did not reflect what he had achieved. As he signed off from the ring with his signature Army salute—a la West Indies fast bowler Sheldon Cottrell—he had become the first Indian man to win a silver at the event. Vijender Singh (2009), Vikas Krishan (2011), Shiva Thapa (2015) and Gaurav Bidhuri (2017) had all won bronze. Panghal also built on the base laid by the likes of Dingko Singh, Gurcharan Singh and Akhil Kumar.

With Manish Kaushik’s bronze in the 63kg category, this was India’s best outing at the world championships. And fans are happy that the sport is back on track. It had been in disarray for the past few years because of administrative issues. The 10-member team at the championships had four quarter-finalists, two of whom lost fairly close bouts.

Former Olympian and 2006 Commonwealth Games gold medalist Akhil Kumar said this was the “golden period of Indian boxing”. “This is a talented bunch coming through,” he told THE WEEK. “There were fine boxers before them, too, but these boys have everything in terms of support, from the federation, government, Sports Authority of India and, most importantly, the International Boxing Association (AIBA). If you notice, earlier the close bouts involving Indians would never go their way. One can see some change there.”

Kumar also praised Asian Championships silver medal winner Kavinder Singh Bisht (57kg) and Makran Cup silver medal winner Sanjeet (91kg). In fact, Panghal, Bisht and Ashish Kumar (75kg) were seeded going into the world championships. And, both Panghal and Kaushik have now been assured of a berth in the Indian squad for the Olympic qualifiers to be held in China next year.

Said Santiago Nieva, Indian team’s high performance director: “We won medals and performed better than last time. The targets were achieved. Countries like China and Azerbaijan are going back without a medal while we have improved our tally. It has significance. We can be proud.”

He can especially be proud of Panghal. The 23-year-old has had a good run of late. He won gold at the 2019 Asian Championships, a gold at the 2018 Asian Games and a silver at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. He beat Olympic champion Hasanboy Dusmatov at the Asian Games.

What sets him apart, aside from his talent, is his game sense—he can change tactics without the coaches prodding him to do so during the match. And he has also built up a reputation of being a giant killer by convincingly beating much bigger opponents, in terms of height as well as stature. “I was fully confident I would return with a medal from the world championships,” an elated, yet tired Panghal told THE WEEK. “My confidence level really went up with my Asian Games performance. I was working hard after the Asian Games on my strategy and training accordingly for the world championships.”

His boxing style is eye-catching—his attacking game, his ferocious hook and his sudden bursts of power have offset many an opponent. His clean punches tilt the odds in his favour. “Earlier, I would be more defensive in my approach, have a careful start,” he said. “But at the world championships, my aggressive tactics worked from the start. Whenever I play with aggression, I win.”

Akhil Kumar, also originally from Rohtak, first saw Panghal at the 2017 Asian Championships in Tashkent. “He won a bronze there,” said Kumar. “That was his first major tournament. His talent and confidence were eye catching. What I really like about him is his patience. He never gives up.”

A lot has been made about the southpaw’s diminutive size, with critics saying it could put him at a disadvantage if he squares up against a tall boxer with better reach. Panghal, however, dismissed those misgivings, saying, “I see it as an advantage. I only know that I have to give my 100 per cent in every bout I play.”

Kumar agreed. “All this (height) is not an issue,” he said. “We have had very good boxers who were not very tall. Suranjoy Singh was one of them, and he used to be called Chhota (Little) Tyson. Mike Tyson himself was not very tall. What matters in boxing, other than your punches, is luck.”

The other medallist, 25-year-old Manish Kaushik, hails from Haryana’s Bhiwani district, and is also an Army man. This was his first senior world championships. “The experience of winning four bouts here will help me. I gave my best, but there were a few shortcomings,” he said after his semi-final loss to world champion Andy Cruz Gomez of Cuba.

“He needs more experience and perhaps needs to work on his strength training,” said Kumar, who follows Kaushik’s development closely. “His punches have power, but maybe a little bit of work in leg strength and endurance is required.”

Said Nieva of the two medallists: “Amit is a busy boxer and he always gives the impression that he is up to something. He improvises quickly and can surprise opponents. Manish is dogged. He sticks to counter-offence and forces his rivals to adapt.”

Overall, the team’s performance has enthused the coaches. “I was expecting a determined show, but I am surprised at the intensity,” said national coach C.A. Kuttappa. “Our expectations have not just been met, they have been surpassed.”

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