Manipur has been in the news for all the wrongs reasons off late but two young boxers from the state - Nanao Singh and Suranjoy Singh - have given the people of the state more than a reason to smile.
By Himanshu Shekhar
While Suranjoy gave India its first Gold at Asian Championship in 15 years in the 2009 Asian Boxing Championship in China, young Nanao rose to fame after clinching gold medal in the AIBA Youth World Boxing Championship in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Espnstar.com's Himanshu Shekhar caught up with Indian boxing's sensation from the Northeast in an exclusive chat on Tuesday.
Excerpts
Himanshu Shekhar: You have made India proud by bringing the Asian Championship gold after 15 long years. With the focus suddenly shifting on you, there would be lot more pressure in the upcoming Commonwealth Games?
Suranjoy Singh: Smiles...Yes, there would be pressure in front of home ground but it does not bother me. If there would be extra pressure then there would also be a home advantage. Right from the crowd to the conditions and food, all will be in our favour.
HS: Do you think that this sponsorship by a corporate giant would help players like you financially?
SS: Personally, we were not getting any money but of course the funds will help us in gaining extra infrastructural facilities. The interest shown by these groups will also help us manage our tours expenses which often become costly.
HS: How are you preparing for the Commonwealth Games? Who do you consider as your toughest opponent?
Suranjoy: I don't care about the opponent. When I am in the ring, the only thought is where exactly the punch should land. It's just a matter of life and death for me. As far as training is concerned, I practice a lot. Some extra hours with the coach, apart from my routine morning and evening session, always helps. I get to see if my landing and recovery is getting right or not.
There is no special training scheme for Commonwealth Games as such. The idea is to keep yourself fit and be in match practice. I will be playing in the national championship, which begins later this week, and that would help us in gaining top form.
HS: You wanted to be a footballer. And football, in particular, is quite popular in the state. So what prompted you to take to boxing?
Suranjoy: Laughs... I was kicked out of the football academy, so I had to settle for something else. But I think football's loss is boxing's gain, (Laughs away).
HS: What has been the role of your coach GS Sandhu? Has he ever made you sit in front of a computer and discussed opponents' moves and manoeuvres?
Nanao: Sandhu Sir is very experienced. He believes in our potential and he shows us our weaknesses and strengths. That is a part and parcel of the practice and match preparation.
Suranjoy: I now have a laptop of my own and that helps. Smiles...it gives you a lot of information about your opponents. But all that hardly matters when you are in the ring.
HS: Off late, Vijender raised his voice on lack of air-conditioned training room in Patiala? Do you think that is bothering you as well?
Suranjoy: It is true that we don't have such a training hall at the moment but work is on towards getting a new completely centralised air-conditioned practice hall equipped with all other modern basic requirements. It will take some time and we hope that it is completed at the earliest.
HS: Has boxing really taken off in the state due to the exploits of you guys (Nanao and Suranjoy)?
Suranjoy: Manipur has seen some serious crisis off late. People are suffering a lot because of these blockades and protests; sports have also been hit by it. In fact, I would take this opportunity to urge the government of India to see to the ground situation.
Nanao (Interupts): Look, I come from a small town of Bishnupur. We have a very good club known as Bisnupur Golf Club, of which I am a product. But unfortunately, due to these protests and strikes, guys can't turn up for practice. It is bound to affect the preparations of the youngsters who are preparing for the National Boxing Championships.
HS: Nanao, you, in particular, have attracted a lot of praise for your lightning quick punches. What do you eat?
Nanao: Smiles... I love having coffee or tea before a match... that relaxes me a lot. There is no special drink. We have a time-table for what to eat and when to drink. That is of paramount importance as that determines our weight-category.
HS: Has WADA's whereabouts clause bothered you in any way? What precaution do you take so that you eliminate the risk of taking banned substance during medication?
Suranjoy: The tests are randomly conducted. We don't have any problems. In fact we all have lists of medicines that are banned. In case we go under any medication, it is strictly under the observation of doctors.
HS: So with Vijender, Akhil, Suranjoy and Nanao, and Mary Kom leading the pack in women boxing, how do you see the future of boxing in India?
Suranjoy: Smiles... It is the golden generation of Indian boxing. We are confident of bringing India more and more gold medals. There has been a drought of sought in India at events like Commonwealth Games and Olympics. The ultimate dream is to end that drought.
Nanao: I feel very proud singing India's national anthem at the podium. Hopefully we will be able to do that at the Delhi Commonwealth Games.
HS: All the best Nanao and Suranjoy. Your hope is shared by millions of Indians across the globe. Wish you all the best.
Suranjoy & Nanao: Thank You.
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