Indian boxers seek fine balance ahead of Olympics

CHANDIGARH: A fortnight to go for the Olympics and you can be sure that the boxing arena at Patiala's National Institute of Sport is throbbing with intensity. These boxers, though, dance different.
"This is a very crucial time for us," says chief national coach Gurbax Sandhu, "It is the final phase of preparation." The team leaves for London for the final camp prior to the Games on Thursday.
The chief coach looks like he wants to talk. It could be a good break from all the frenzied activity. "Boxers are like stretchable strings," he explains, "In the beginning, we start with expanding their load; gradually they are stretched to the maximum and allowed to relax. At this point of time we have stretched them to the utmost. The intensity of training is at its peak but the volume of load has been reduced to the minimum."
India's seven boxers are within touching distance of their peak performance. The emphasis is on temperament, the feel and food. Everything has to be right and importantly, at the right time, on fight day. Trust Sandhu's support staff to figure out the science involved in this unforgiving sport.
The anxiety, self-doubt and the temperament of the boxers is crucial during this final phase. Flyweight Nanao Singh, the Commonwealth Youth champion, knows the intricacies and calls up friend Devendro Singh (49 kg) for a last-minute pep-talk.
"He is a rookie so I felt I should remind him of his strengths for the final time," Nanao, who failed to make the Olympics, says. Devendro knows the advice would be invaluable. "Your sparring partner knows you inside out. He is the best man to take advice from," says the London-bound.
Fellow rookie Shiva Thapa (56kg) unwinds by talking to his family. "After training, there is so much to take care of and time is running out. I am really thrilled," he says, trying to keep his excitement in check.
For the home stretch, everything has to be perfect, most of all the weight. The complex permutations and combinations of carbohydrates, proteins and vitamins need to be under control.
Jai Bhagwan (69 kg), known for his reserve nature, likes to keep himself confined to his room. "For the whole year we starve ourselves to keep our weight under control. But, now, it's different. We have to be very cautious - we cannot eat much nor can we starve. Everything has to be right till the moment we enter the ring," he says.
Meanwhile, Sandhu scotches reports regarding his retirement just after London. "I am going to retire in July 2013. All I said was I would like to retire on a happy note with more medals from Olympics," jokes the 59-year-old coach.