Turkish coach packs a punch to India's medal hopes

New Delhi, Aug 2 (UNI) Buoyed after Sefa Nar, the former Turkish coach, was roped in to hone their boxing skills, a seven-member Indian team leaves for Istanbul tomorrow hoping for a rich harvest in the World Cadet Boxing Championships in the Turkish capital from August 3-14.

Haryana lad Sunil, competing in the 50 kg, will spearhead the Indian challenge and would like to better his previous experience which saw him crashing out in the quarterfinals of the event in in England.

''The Turkish coach has been of immense help to all of us. He studied us individually and suggested improvements that suit our individual style. We have had a 40-day camp in Hissar and I feel we improved a lot when it comes to speed, endurance and strategising,'' Sunil told UNI.

Last time he failed to reach the semifinals but better preparation makes Sunil confident.

''I'm much more confident this time. I have been practising with seniors like Akhil Kumar and Jeetender in Bhiwani, under the common coach Jagdish Singh. I have mjade little adjustments in my techniques and I would go all out to bring a medal for the country,'' he added.

Coach MS Dhaka, however, warned that it's easier said than done.

''The problem with World Cadet Boxing Championship is that you get to fight against greenhorns, about whom you know simply nothing.

Sometimes, Cuba juniors prove rather disappointing and sometimes you some a brilliant boxer emerging out of the blue.

''Sunil has the brightest prospect but you can't really predict how many medals we would win. My guess is as good as yours,'' he said.

Squad: Prem Prakash Pouri (46 kg), Bhoopender (48kg), Sunil (50kg), Roshan Singh (52 kg), Durga Rao V (54 kg), Balwinder Singh (57 kg), Amit Karki (60 kg) Officials: MS Dhaka, Praline Kumar (coaches), Lenny D'Gama (Referee/Judge) and Prithvi Raj Chauhan (Manager) UNI AY DH BD1523