Pen sketch of Vijender Kumar

Name: Vijender Kumar

Category: Middleweight

Date of Birth: October 25, 1985

Height: Six feet

Weight: 75 kg

Coach: BI Fernandes of Cuba and Gurbax Singh Sandhu

Idol: Senior teammate Akhil Kumar

Style: Mix of aggression and tight guard; Uses his height for probing and then backpedalling

Achievements: First Indian boxer in Olympic semifinals; Silver Medallist at 2007 Asian Championships; Lost in round of 32 at 2004 Olympics and 2007 World Championships in Chicago

Remarks: Looks at teammate Akhil as his friend, philosopher and guide; his good looks have attracted the attention of International fashion magazines; he could get lot of endorsement deals after this medal.

Quote: `He is a Cuban boxer but at the moment I won`t comment as we will be seeing his videos. All I can say is that my strategy will be to win, win and win.`

`I am really happy to win India`s first medal in boxing and all credit goes to my coaches, and my parents, especially my father, who went to a far-away temple to pray for my success. My teammates Akhil and Jitender had lost their fights, so I wanted to do well and win the medal.`

Image: Getty (Any unauthorised reproduction is prohibited)

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