Boxing coach unhappy as players skip camp

Patiala, May 1 (UNI) Cuban boxing expert and present India coach B I Fernandez has expressed unhappiness over the low attendance at the coaching camp called in preparation of the forthcoming Doha Asian Games.

Talking to UNI over phone from Pune where the national camp is underway at the Army Institute of Sports, Fernandez said the Indian Amateur Boxing Federaion (IABF) must ensure full attendance in future camps.

''This will require a serious effort. Only sixty four per cent boxers have reported here. The boxing federation must ensure that there are no absentees in such camps wherever it is held,''he said.

Fernandez also said he expect a couple of medals from the Indian pugilists in 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

''Indian boxers fought so well during the Melbourne Commonwealth Games that I feel they can win medals in Beijing Olympics if they train hard and lived up to full potential during the competitions,'' he said.

The Cuban expert was all praise for Akhil Kumar (bantam weight), Vijender Kumar (welter weight) and Harpreet Singh(heavy weight) who stunned the boxing world by their doughty performance in Melbourne.

Fernandez said he will go back to Cuba after his contract with the IABF ends in December this year.

Fernandez was approached by a couple of countries for training their boxers, but turned down their offers to take up the job in India.

''I cannot betray the Indian boxers since I am training them for the past five years or so and India is virtually my second home,'' the Cuban expert said.

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