Mission Olympics: Vikas Krishan prefers US Pro bouts to National camp in Patiala

Top Indian boxer Vikas Krishan has determined to revive his skilled profession within the US as a substitute of coaching on the nationwide camp in Patiala as he believes standard is simply not ok for a podium end at subsequent 12 months’s Tokyo Olympics.

Vikas is at present coaching in Bengaluru’s Inspire Institute of Sports (IIS) with one other skilled boxer and shut buddy Neeraj Goyat after being requested to depart NIS Patiala for alleged violation of COVID-19 quarantine norms, later deemed unintentional.

He has no plans of going again regardless that the Sports Authority of India (SAI) determined to permit him to return after an inquiry.

“I will continue training here (in Bengaluru). I have fallen into a rhythm and I don’t wish to disturb myself by once again taking the trip to Patiala. I don’t see the point,” Vikas, who’s coaching below American coach Ronald Simms on the IIS, instructed PTI in an interview over cellphone.

Asked concerning the controversy in Patiala, and Vikas provided a philosophical take.

“I have never harmed anyone. I have made mistakes but the intent is only to do well for the country. I have never caused problems for anyone else. That’s all I have to say,” he mentioned.

The 28-year-old Haryana-lad is extra keen to speak about his plans to return to the US, the place he continues to have a contract with Hall of Famer Bob Arum’s Top Rank Promotions.

The welterweight (69kg class) boxer will compete within the 70kg division within the professional circuit.

“As soon as I manage to get a flight, I am going to the USA. I am in touch with Top Rank Promotions. They have promised to arrange fights for me and I hope to compete in 3-4 bouts before the Olympics,” he mentioned.

“That would help my Olympic chances more than anything else because it is in the pro circuit that I learnt the crucial lesson of not believing in luck. It is all about ability, there is nothing called luck,” added the previous world bronze-winner, who gained his two professional bouts earlier than returning to beginner circuit final 12 months.The Asian Games and Commonwealth Games gold-winner shall be making third Olympic look in Tokyo subsequent 12 months. He is essentially the most skilled among the many 5 males who’ve made the lower to this point.

“I took a break from professional with due permission from my promoter to pursue my Olympic dream. Now that I have qualified, I will go back to pro to prepare myself,” he mentioned.

Talking of preparations, do High Performance Director Santiago Nieva and nationwide coach C A Kuttappa know of his plans?”They know and they’re supportive. They know what I’m able to they usually have inspired me. I’ve additionally bought immense assist from Boxing Federation of India Executive Director R Ok Sacheti,” he mentioned.

Less than a 12 months away from his third Olympics, Vikas mentioned he has by no means loved boxing as a lot as he does now.

“If you watch me fight now, you can see the artistry. In my past two Olympics (2012 and 2016), I used to be bothered by pressure and expectations, not anymore. I fee free of that.”This has made boxing very satisfying for me. Earlier there was a component of stress,” he defined.His buddy Neeraj, additionally a professional boxer, has been a relentless in his life for the previous few years and Vikas mentioned he’s grateful for the assist.

“I don’t think I will be able to do as much for him as he has done for me. He has come to train with me, support me whenever I have asked him,” he mentioned.

Amid the strenuous preparations, has he factored within the COVID-19 mayhem, the one which pressured the Olympics to be postponed and which nonetheless is a menace to the Games going forward even subsequent 12 months.

“I am destined to win an Olympic medal. Olympics will happen because God can’t be so cruel to me. I know that,” asserted the boxer.