'We shook up the world at Beijing'

New Delhi, Aug 28 (UNI) The gutsy performance of Indian pugilists at the Beijing Olympics has forced the boxing world to sit up and take notice.

Indian boxing had its best ever outing at Beijing with three of the five boxers in the fray reaching the quarterfinals.

''AIBA president Ching-Kuo Wu was impressed with our boxers. He said 'Beware! the Indian boxers are coming','' chief coach Gurbax Singh Sandhu said.

''He met our boxers, lauded their performance and said if we continue this way, we will storm the world,'' he added. ''I think it augurs well for Indian boxing and we can look forward to having more of our boys qualifying for the 2012 Olympics in London and certainly more medals.'' Sandhu lauded his wards for the hardwork they have put in over the last few months.

''We have done a lot of hard work. It finally paid off in Beijing. The boys put their heart and soul into preparing for the Olympics and the results are there for everyone to see,'' he noted.

''We may have won just one bronze medal but the overall impact of our performance would be far reaching.'' Sandhu feels that the experienced Akhil Kumar, who inspired his younger colleagues, deserved to win a medal.

''I am satisfied with our performance. But Akhil deserved a medal.

He was devastated after losing in the quarterfinal. I feel sorry for him,'' he lamented.

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