|
Beijing: A slice of history and an Olympic bronze already in his pocket, Vijender will show up in today's semifinal with nothing to lose and only newer heights to gain. Though the strapping six-footer from Haryana has achieved his primary goal and cannot wait to stand atop the podium with the medal dangling from his neck, success has only whetted his appetite and Vijender says he is hungry for more.
"I've achieved what I came here for and none can take it away. That surely takes the pressure off my shoulders and I'll be in a free state of mind tomorrow," said Vijender, ahead of his 75kg semifinal bout against formidable Cuban Emilio Correa Bayeaux at the Worker's Stadium in Beijing. "But that does not mean I'll just go through the motions today. It will be the same vigour and the intensity too would remain same. I'm going for the gold," Vijender said.
The two-time Pan-American champion Cuban would not be an easy meat but if Vijender's recent form is to go by, the Indian who would enjoy a slight height advantage has it in him to punch the Cuban's light out. "I don't think personal reputation would count. So many world champions and Olympic medallists have bowed out, losing to unheralded opponents," added Vijender, who beat Athens gold medallist Bakhtiyar Atrayev in a recent competition. (PTI) | 
Email Story
Write to the editor
Print Story
