Beijing, Aug 16 (UNI) After pulverising Thailand's Angkhan Chomphuphuang to storm into the quarter-finals of the men's middle-weight (75kg) category, Indian boxer Vijender Kumar was confindent of grabbing a medal for his country as he is just one win away from it.
''I am just one win away from an Olympic medal,'' Vijender said after his bout. ''I have prepared hard for this and I am confident of a medal.'' The Haryana pugilist was in devastating form in the pre-quaterfinal bout, thrashing his happless opponent to record an easy 13-3 victory.
The baby faced 22-year-old from Bhiwani thanked his coaches and colleagues for their support.
''I am thankful to my coaches GS Sandhu and BI Fernandes. I am also thankful to my coaches and colleagues back home in Bhiwani.
The fact that today I am standing one win away from an Olympic medal is all due to their guidance and support. I am also grateful to my well wishers who have prayed for my success,'' an emotional Vijender said.
When asked about his chances against Carlos Gongora of Ecuador - his opponent in the quarter-finals, Vijender said,''He is a good boxer. He has beaten good boxers to enter the quarter-finals.
But I am confident of doing well. I want to win a medal for India.'' UNI HSB AB BD2230