Patiala: Beijing Games bronze-medallist boxer Vijender Singh has assured that "we will not come back empty-handed" from the forthcoming London Olympics and said that they were very positive about their chances.
"We're leaving with a very positive mindset and I assure you that we will not come back empty-handed," Vijender said. "We are very positive and hopeful about performing well at the Olympics," he added during a felicitation programme organised by the National Institute of Sports Monday evening.
"I am hopeful that we would bring back more than just one medal as our country has given us a lot and it is time to give something back," Vijender said. Weightlifter Ravi Kumar said that he is in no mood to let go of the opportunity.
"I am just focusing on my performance. The Indian male weightlifters have got this opportunity after 12 years and so I just don't want to ruin it. "The fact remains that I am just looking forward to better my performance. I am currently lifting 360 kg in all and if I can manage 365 in London, it will be a medal finish. I am keeping my fingers crossed and hoping that I would be able to improve," Ravi Kumar said.
Speaking on the occasion, Executive Director of NIS, L S Ranawat, recalled the days when these players were just national level medallists.
"Though I want to give the credit for this to the players and their coaches, we cannot deny the fact that the congenial environment provided to them at NIS Patiala gives them an extra edge. I take pride in this and I am sure that they are going to keep the Indian flag high at London."
Also present on the occasion were boxers Jai Bhagwan, L Devendro, Manoj Kumar, Shiva Thapa, Sumit Sangwan and coaches Gurbax Singh Sandhu and BI Fernandis. Ravi Kumar was there with Soniya Chanu and coaches Hansa Sharma and BD Sharma. Boxer Vikas Krishnan could not attend the event due to personal reasons.
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