CHENNAI: The showman is back and how. A degenerative wrist injury had derailed his career just before Beijing Olympics in 2008. He went on to enter the quarters there, won a bronze at the first AIBA World Cup in Moscow later that year. A shoulder and a calf tear sidelined him after the world championships in 2011. He missed the London Olympics and the boxing fraternity written him off, almost.
On Wednesday, Akhil returned to the Indian team for the Asian Games through an open trial in Patiala. Officially, however, the final team is yet to be announced.
Just three years ago, he was struggling with fitness. Though he was shattered, Akhil never gave up. His heart always told him he could and on Wednesday when he was picked for Incheon, his faith was vindicated. “It’s my belief and my faith in my craft,” said the Haryana Police official, who beat Vikas Malik and then Rohit Tokas to secure his place in the team in 60kg.
More than a year ago, when Akhil was undergoing police training at Karnal, he had told this publication he would make a comeback into boxing. He was not even in the national camp. His weight had been an issue and in a higher category, he was struggling. It sounded like a joke but he warned and said ‘watch out and see’. After fighting his way back into the team, he said: “I make promises to keep.
“Actually, boxing is in my veins. Though my body was out of the ring, my heart never left it.”
However, the path to the team was strewn with challenges. “One has to surmount challenges both in sport as well as in life,” he said. “This is the first step. Now, I am looking forward to my major competition after 2011. I hope to do well.”
Akhil also knows what awaits him at the Asian Games. “Like every competition, this one will be tough. In fact with boxers from the central Asian countries, the field here will be more competitive,” he said. “But I have gained some experience and I think that counts. Let’s see.” On the new rules, he said laughing, “I will fight with my head.”
Knowing Akhil, he would. “Yes, I know what needs to be done. I have seen and assessed everything. I just need to put them into test.”
As for the return, he says without the support of his coaches and wife it would not have been possible. “National coach Gurbax Singh Sandhu was the one who proposed my name this year to be included in the core group of boxing probables,” he said. “I did not let him down. Jaidev Bisht, the other team coach, also helped me. But my family, particularly my wife, has been a great influence to motivate me and get me back to where I belong.”
Asian games squad:
Men: L Devendro Singh (49kg), Gaurav Bhiduri (52kg), Shiva Thapa (56kg), Akhil Kumar (60kg), Manoj Kumar (64kg), Mandeep Jhangra (69kg), Vikas Krishan (75kg), Kuldeep Singh (81kg), Amritpreet Singh (91kg), Satish Kumar (+91kg). Women: M C Mary Kom (51kg), L Sarita Devi (60kg), Pooja Rani (75kg).
