Assam’s chief boxing coach predicts many more medals in Khelo India Youth Games

Guwahati: Mid-way through the Khelo India Youth Games, hosts Assam came into their own, sweeping almost all the gold on offer in Lawn Bowl; as the boxing competitions get underway, they are hopeful of surging further up the ladder by making another killing.
 
“We have a very strong contingent of 35 boxers in the tournament this time. We are confident of doing much better than the three medals that we won in 2019,” Assam’s chief coach Amar Deko said, predicting a bigger pay day this time around.
 
His boxers are mentally tough, physically fit and are well prepared for the Khelo India challenge. However, he conceded that he should have spent a little more time with all the athletes in the lead up to the tournament.
 
"Everyone has prepared well for the Khelo Games. They are all fit and raring to go. But many of them don't have good infrastructure for boxing in their hometowns. I wish we could have trained a little longer with each of the boxers," Deka sighed.
 
Apart from the pressure of showcasing one's talent, the Assamese boxers will have to deal with the pressure of being the host state as well.
 
"Since we are the host team, there is a lot of pressure on all our boxers to perform well in the Khelo India Youth Games. Everyone has been coming and telling us that since we are the hosts, our medal tally will increase," said Deka.