Laxmi Negi
Since the London Olympics, pugilist Vikas Krishan is keeping a low profile.
The disappointment of missing out on a medal at the Games lingers in his voice, even though he tries to put up a brave face.
For one who does not like being given an option when it comes to wining or losing, returning empty-handed from the Olympics hurts. With the maturity of a sage, the 20-year-old from Haryana declares: "I would have liked that all eyes should be on me, but since I have come back without a medal it won't be the case."
'If I comment on the decision of my bout it will be an insult to boxing'
He elaborates, "For me performance speaks. It would have been a different thing had I won a medal and then gone to those functions."
Quiz him on his Olympic exposure and pat comes the reply: "I went in as World No. 3. I was in good shape. I had to win two bouts to secure a medal. I was successful in wining one, but, then, I could not win the second. But I am satisfied with my performance. Sirf medal ki kami reh gayi (only a medal was lacking)."
Did he feel robbed of a medal?
"If I comment on the decision of my bout it will be an insult to boxing and, therefore, it is better if I do not say anything on it," he says.
In a stunning reversal of fortunes, Vikas (69kg) was ousted from the Olympics after the International Boxing Association (AIBA) overturned the result of his pre-quarter-final.
Vikas had beaten Errol Spence 13-11, but, following an appeal by his opponent's team management, the AIBA reversed the decision to a 15-13 verdict in favour of the American.
'I think a little bit of over-confidence did us in'
Only the second Indian boxer after Vijender Singh to fetch a bronze medal at the World Championships, Vikas was a bright medal prospect at the Games, having won gold in the 60kg category at the 2010 Asian Games.
Now, after the Olympics disappointment, the Deputy Superintendent in the Haryana Police is clueless about his future course of action.
"I think a little bit of over-confidence did us (boxers) in," he admits, adding, "Right now, my problem is I do not know my mistakes to improve upon them."
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