Olympic bronze medallist
During a virtual interaction, the 2008 Olympic medallist urged the squad to set aside mobile phones and media engagements to remain fully committed to their objective. According to Singh, the primary goal is to secure victory, with personal interests and social activities best reserved for after the competition concludes.
High Expectations for Indian Contenders
Singh expressed optimism regarding India's prospects, predicting that the team is capable of bringing home between five and six medals. He specifically identified several athletes who have shown significant promise in their preparation, noting that the women's contingent appears particularly driven to succeed on the continental stage.
Among the women, he highlighted the work ethic of Sakshi Choudhary in the 51kg category, the strong form of Preeti Pawar at 54kg, and the potential of Priya Ghanghas in the 60kg division. He also pointed to the experience of Lovlina Borgohain in the 75kg category as a key factor. Singh remarked on the shifting cultural landscape in Haryana, noting that the success of these female athletes is actively challenging traditional perceptions.
On the men’s side, he singled out Sachin Siwach (60kg) and Narender Berwal (+90kg) as standout performers. Singh noted that Berwal, who already possesses an Asian Games medal and an Arjuna Award, should approach the tournament with significant confidence.
Maintaining Focus Amidst Competition
Addressing the challenges of the upcoming event, Singh encouraged the team to remain unfazed by external conditions or the high standard of competition from nations such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, China, and Japan. He stressed that the focus must remain strictly on the ring rather than the quality of accommodation or the reputation of opponents.
Reflecting on his own career, the former champion shared an anecdote from the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games, where he overcame a dislocated left thumb to defeat World champion Abbos Atoev in the final. He used this experience to illustrate the necessity of a resilient mindset, reminding the current squad that they are travelling to compete rather than for leisure. While acknowledging the difficulty of the tournament, Singh maintained that the Indian boxers are currently in excellent physical condition and well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
