Big boots to fill in for Ashish Kumar in the 75 kg weight category
Oozing confidence Ashish Kumar wants to make it big in Tokyo
In 2012-13, pugilist Ashish Kumar had decided to call it quits. Despite putting in the hard hours in training, he was not getting the desired results even at the domestic stage. However, his father, the late Bhagat Ram, who was himself a national-level kabaddi player continued to motivate him and pushed him to participate in the 2015 nationals. It was make or break for him.
Fortune finally favoured him and surprising everyone, he won gold. "That was a turning point. My performance was so good that I managed to beat my final opponent without breaking much sweat. That gave me plenty of belief."
In 2019, he flourished as he won gold in Thailand Open and silver in the Asian Championship. It was a major breakthrough year for him as he announced his arrival in the big boy's league from being a mere sparring partner for his seniors. Brimming with confidence he was looking forward to participating in the Asian Olympic Qualifiers in March 2020. But, one month before the fight, his father passed away.
He didn't even have the time to mourn the loss as he had to get back to training to realise his father's dream.
"He wanted to see me at the Olympics, and subsequently, win a medal there."
In Jordan, he channelled his grief, pain and anger in the ring and thrashed Maikhel Roberrd Muskita of Indonesia to register a 5-0 win and qualify for the Olympics in the 75kg weight category.
The 75kg responsibility
India has produced some of its best boxers in the middleweight category. The only Olympic medal won in boxing has come in this category, courtesy of Vijender Singh. Vikas Krishan, who succeeded Vijender in the weight category, has finished on the podium in almost all major international competitions barring the Olympics. There is a huge responsibility on the shoulders of the 26-year-old pugilist.
"My seniors have done well. Our middleweight boxers have set a high standard and I want to maintain this. I like Vijender bhai sahib's counterattacks and long-range game,” said Ashish.
Being a late-starter he had his own share of struggles but that is all in the past. The Asian Championship silver was a watershed moment and his performances in 2021 should also boost his morale. With time, he has matured and has learnt to adapt according to his opponent's style.
"Ashish is so much more polished now. He uses his reach better, his ring awareness has improved,” stated Santiago Nieva, higher performance director of boxing.
There is no dearth of perseverance on his part but the Himachal-based boxer must be a bit more consistent.
"I always tell him you have the ability to beat the best boxers in the world, black and blue, on your day, but you can also lose to anyone on any given day. Nowadays, he has improved a lot, but this is something which we are working on," stated chief national coach CA Kuttappa to The Bridge.
Nonetheless, if he gets going he has the mettle in him to match the results of his predecessors.
When is Ashish Kumar's Tokyo 2020 campaign starting?
Ashish will be in action in the men's 75kg category Round of 32 bout against China's Tuoheta Erbieke on July 26, Monday.