Boxers get favourable draw

Former national coach O P Bhardwaj finds the boxing draw at the Sydney Olympics favourable to the Indians.

''The boxers are lucky to have this kind of a draw. With a bye, Dingko will get some rest,'' Bhardwaj said. He feels Dingko could do well against his Ukrainian rival Danylehenko Sergie, who is new to the international arena. ''I think Dingko should find it easy to get into the semifinals.''

Asian Games champion N Dingko Singh got a respite of five days after a bye as per the draw announced Thursday.

Dingko, who is in the 52 kg category, was earlier scheduled to fight on September 17, would now take on Sergie on September 21.

In 75 kg category, Jitender Kumar boxes with Canada's Orr Donald Grant on September 18. ''During his training in Cuba Jitender had beaten the world number 2. And officials there said he was a real medal prospect,'' Bhardwaj said.

Gurcharan Singh takes on another Korean Chti Ki Soo in the over 81 kg category on September 20. Gurcharan had defeated Soo earlier. The former national coach said he could repeat that feat.

In the 48 kg category, S Suresh faces Korean Kim Si Suk on September 17. ''Kim is not even a Asian champion,'' Bhardwaj said.

''I feel this is the best draw we could have hoped for. Our boxers should be positive and go for the kill,'' he said.

Indian Amateur Boxing Federation president Ashok Kumar Mattoo, who is also the chef de mission of the Indian contingent said, ''Our boxers are fully fit and ready to take on their rivals. We will fight every bit of the bout and I am confident the boys will do well.''

UNI

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