CHENNAI: Mandeep Jangra was once considered one of the brightest boxers in the country. And rightfully so. With his trademark counter-punching style, the welterweight pugilist fetched a silver medal in the 2013 Asian Championships. Another silver at the 2014 Commonwealth Games proved that the Asian feat was no fluke. He was touted as the next big thing.
Hand-picked by former ace Akhil Kumar, everybody followed his exploits keenly. However, all the initial promise has declined. Out of the core team for over a year, injuries has had a major hand in his unwanted blip.
But like every champion, he is determined to overcome this period of lull. “Just before the Olympic qualifiers in Baku last year, I had to undergo a surgery on my left hand. It was so bad that doctors had told me it would not be wise to play the sport again. But I did manage to make a comeback and now my hand is in a much better shape,” the Arjuna awardee told Express.
Part of the ongoing national camp in Patiala, Mandeep will get a platform to see where he stands when he travels with the team to Belarus for an exposure tour which includes participating in an international tournament in August.
“I have been part of the camp since January. I have been training hard for the last few months. I have taken part in a few national competitions as well.”
The Haryana boxer, who is employed by Railways, is bound to face a steep task in cementing his name in the core team, given that the experienced Manoj Kumar is also competing in the same division. It was Manoj who had kept him out of the Nationals (in Guwahati), after beating him in the inter-railways trials earlier this year.
“Competition for places is tough now. But that does not deter me. I’m a little nervous before the competition but I will give my best shot. This is a good chance to prove my worth,” the 24-year-old assessed.
“The nationals will also be held later this year. I’m looking forward to doing well and get back in the reckoning,” he added.
In the long run, Mandeep is looking to better his 2014 CWG feat and make a mark in the 2018 Asian Games. “There is a lot to look forward to. The proposed BFI boxing league is also likely to be held end of this year. But my primary goal is to attain 100 per cent fitness ahead of the 2018 CWG and Asiad. A medal in those competitions would be a huge boost.”
Only time will tell if Mandeep can find his mojo back and dazzle inside the ring.
anmol@newindianexpress.com