Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Vijender Kumar creates history; India assured of another medal

Beijing, Aug 20: Pugilist Vijender Kumar created history on Wednesday after he became India's third medal winner at the Beijing Olympics. Vijender defeated Carlos Gongora of Ecaudor, assuring him an entry into the semi-finals as well as at least a bronze medal. Wrestler Sushil Kumar had won a bronze in the freestyle event earlier in the day.

Vijender, competing in the 75 kg middleweight category, dominated the entire bout, eventually winning 9-4. The win has ensured that India will come back from Beijing with its biggest ever Olympic medal haul. This is India's first ever Olympic medal in boxing.

Vijender had earlier stormed into the quarter-finals of the 75 kg middleweight Boxing event on Saturday after he outclassed Thailand's Champuphuang Angkhan 13-3 in a one sided match.

Vijender thoroughly dominated his bout to tame Angkhan Chomphuphuang of Thailand 13-3 to sail into the quarterfinals of the 75kg category event.

Though the Thai managed to land a punch on Vijender in the second round, it was too little against the marauding Haryana lad did enough to stretch his lead to 6-1.

The third round saw the Indian dictating terms sending Angkhan scurrying for covers. The Thai's aggression was frustrated by fast movement of Vijender who swung away from his punches.

The Thai never looked like staging a comeback as Vijender ensured his superiority remains intact and in the end, it turned out to be a facile win for the Indian.

Making most of his height advantage and long reach to unnerve the Thai who looked confounded, Vijender unleashed mostly upper cuts and jabs and the rival had no clue as to what was going.

It was a sweet revenge for Vijender, who had lost to the Thai in the Asian Championship in Ulan Bator, Mongolia, and had to be content with silver.
 

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