After a string of injuries wreaked havoc in his career four years ago, boxer Akhil Kumar has staged a remarkable comeback by qualifying for the Asian Games at Incheon.
The 33-year-old boxer, a 2006 Commonwealth Games gold-medallist and 2008 Olympic quarter-finalist, was laid low by a string of injuries that forced him to skip the trials for the 2012 London Olympics.
Akhil's last major competition was the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, and this will be the first time since 2006 he would play the Asian Games - fighting in the 60kg division, which is up a division from the bantamweight 56kg category that shot him to fame.
The Haryana boxer spoke to IBNLive about the his plans, strategies and chances of winning a medal at the Incheon Asiad.
Back in India colours - how does it feel?
I am going into the tournament with just one aim - a medal for my country. I know I am going to represent India after almost three years but want to make use of it. I have practiced a lot. I have been training under my coaches and with other boxers. I am all set for the Asiad. And the only thing in my mind is a medal, and that too a gold. Hope I will make it.
You are on the other side of 30s now. Does that make a difference?
Yes, I know, but 33 is just a number for me. Age is not a factor for me and I don't think about it. I never lost the hunger to represent my country. I want to fight and it can be done with mind and technique. Three years is a long period [to be out] but I wasn't out-of-touch from the sport. I have been fighting in the state, domestic and regional tournaments. I can't live without boxing. I am making a comeback to the international fold and I want to relish this moment and win as well..
You have been fighting in the bantamweight (56kg) category for long. Do you think shifting to 60kg poses a big challenge?
Not exactly. I know there will be a bit of pressure on me after shifting the weight category, but I am excited too. I just want to step into the ring, kiss it and fight. I don't care about anything else. I don't wish to know which boxers are going to be a threat for me. I want to take one bout at a time and see how things go.
How do you view Indian boxing today?
It's been 20 years since I am boxing. Things were pretty normal but the year 2008 was like a revolution. It changed the face of Indian boxing. I could see the craze among young boys and girls too for opting boxing as a profession. Vijender (2008 Olympics bronze medallist) became an inspiration for all. His medal changed the face of Indian boxing. The government also stepped forward to facilitate youth.
You are the only Indian boxer to beat a world champion at the Olympics. Which of your wins you cherish the most?
There are a couple but the one which still gives me the goosebumps was the gold medal at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne. I still remember the bout against Bruno Julie. It was an early birthday present for me. And there is one more in my list - my win over world champion Sergey Vodopyanov of Russia in the pre-quarterfinals of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. It was a come-from-behind victory. I was trailing 2-6 but didn't give up. I landed more punches on the Russian. This victory is still talked about as no Indian boxer has beaten a world champion in the Olympics. I feel proud when I hear it from someone.
Which boxer do you see as India's future prospect?
If you ask me, I would definitely say Mandeep Jangra. You guys call him 'Kartoos'. The reason is I have seen his game from up close and know him well. I know his temperament. But a long-term prospect can be Devendro Singh Laishram. He is an enigma in the ring. The way he gets his opponent tired is amazing. He just needs to control his aggression at times. He can be the hero of Indian boxing.
Where do you rate your chances of winning a medal?
Everyone plays to win, so do I. Every boxer is coming with a hope to win a medal for his country. The boxers from Korea, Kazakhstan and Philippines are going to be hard to beat. But I am prepared and ready to take up the challenges and bag a medal for my country.
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