Indians script punch-tantra
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New Delhi, Oct. 13: A walkover, a mauling and a controversial finish — Indian boxers had contrasting wins at the 19th Commonwealth Games here on Wednesday, but in the end each of one them walked away with the top prize, to add a dash of gold to India’s combat sport hopes at the 2012 Olympics.
Asian Games gold-medallist Suranjoy Singh (52kg) didn’t need to throw a single punch as a groin injury kept his opponent Kenya’s Benson Njangiru away from the ring, but Paramjeet Samota (+91) had to work hard in his 5-1 win against Trinidad and Tobago’s Tariq Abdul Haqq with the latter unlucky to not have been awarded more than a few points.
There were no such problems for Manoj Kumar (64kg), who wore down Bradley Saunders of England with his tight defence, before attacking on the counter to seal a comprehensive 11-2 win.
It was India’s best-ever haul in the quadrennial event with three gold and four bronze medals, bettering the previous haul of five medals at the Melbourne games. India had already won four bronze medals through Amandeep Singh (49kg), Jai Bhagwan (60kg), Dilbag Singh (69kg) and Vijender Singh (75kg) on Tuesday.
Aware that he had got a walkover, Suranjoy, nicknamed ‘Chotta Tyson’, stepped into the ring more than willing to amuse the raucous Talkatora crowd – he somersaulted over the ropes but came crashing down on the mat to peals of laughter. Laughter soon turned into awe when the referee raised the Manipuri boxer’s hand, signalling the win.
“I never thought it would be that easy and I am so glad that I have won a gold medal in front of my home fans. The crowd support has been just fantastic. I dedicate this medal to my parents, who could not come to see me because my mother is unwell,” Suranjoy pointed out.
Wednesday’s gold medal was Suranjoy’s seventh successive triumph in a major boxing competition. “I thought I would just jump over the ropes to entertain the fans but fell down. It was funny but it would not have been had I actually had a bout, I might have injured myself,” he laughed when asked about his hilarious attempt of somersault over the ropes. Manoj was at his counter-attacking best, landing some telling hooks and uppercuts on Saunders.
“This crowd just gets to you. They have pushed me into getting this medal. I am glad that I beat an English rival. My strategy all through has been counter-attacking and I did just that today. My guard is my strength and I made full use of it,” said the Haryana lad.
Samota relied on sheer power of his uppercuts to break through Haqq’s defence, but was lucky since the judges choose to ignore a couple of late punches from Tariq. “It’s not muscle power, it’s the will power which gets an athlete where I have reached,” Samota added.
Pic Caption:
Paramjeet Samota (right) lands a punch on Tariq Abdul Haqq of Trinidad and Tobago en route his super heavyweight gold at the Talkatora Indoor Stadium on Wednesday.
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