Akhil in boxing quarter-finals, India eye another medal

PACKING A PUNCH: Akhil's eight minutes in the ring on Monday could add another Olympic gold to India's kitty.

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Beijing: Three of India's boxers are one step away from an Olympic medal and the leading contender among them is a feisty small-town pugilist, Akhil Kumar, who plays his quarter-final on Monday.

“Dreams are those that don’t let you sleep at night,” a hopeful Akhil Kumar says.

In a small house in Bhiwani district of Haryana, Akhil lay awake night after night, dreaming of an Olympic medal. Now that dream is near completion, as is the promise to his father.

“He is a very hardworking boy. He always does what he plans. He has promised me he will make the country proud,” Akhil’s father, Hari Om, says.

It was Akhil’s performance against the Russian world champion Sergey Vodopyanov in the pre-quarter final bout that raised the country’s expectations. India watched in awe as a fearless Akhil, who is the leader of a pack that idolises him, matched Vodopyanov blow for blow.

Two other Indian boxers, Vijender Kumar and Jitender Kumar, are also one step away from a medal.

Their exploits have got India’s only medallist of the Games to hope that more could be added to the tally.

“I think our boxers are doing very well. They are extremely talented. I always had a feeling that they will do very well and they are doing very well indeed. Let's just pray for them.” Abhinav Bindra, who won the gold medal at the 10m air rifle event at the Olympics, says.

Akhil's eight minutes in the ring on Monday could add another glorious chapter to India’s Olympic history.