05 August,2014 08:25 AM IST | | Ashwin Ferro
Devendro was up against a seasoned campaigner in Paddy Barnes of Northern Ireland whom he lost in the past. Barnes is one of the best boxers and began brilliantly, winning the first two rounds
L Devendro Singh, Pinki Jangra, Mandeep Jangra and Vijender Singh
L Devendro Singh (49 kg, silver)
Devendro was up against a seasoned campaigner in Paddy Barnes of Northern Ireland whom he lost in the past. Barnes is one of the best boxers and began brilliantly, winning the first two rounds. But not one to buckle under pressure, Debu took the fight to the two-time Olympic bronze winner and won the third round. But it wasn't enough in the end.
Pinki Jangra (47-50 kg, bronze)
Pinki had been under a lot of pressure having beaten Mary Kom to get here. There is a healthy rivalry between Pinki and Mary Kom and this time Pinki beat the five-time world champion and Olympic bronze winner to get here. It was always going to be tough for her given that Olympic gold winner Nicola Adams was also in the same category. In the semi-final, Pinki was outplayed by the English boxer (Michaela Walsh) who went down to Olympic champ Adams.
Mandeep Jangra (69 kg, silver)
Mandeep has an open boxing stance and this is always risky when it comes to close contests. But he is comfortable with this style, so we didn't think of changing it. But in the final the English boxer (Scott Fitzgerald) got some punches through Mandeep's guard and won gold. Mandeep is only 21 years old though and is
a very good medal prospect for India.
Vijender Singh (75 kg, silver)
Time and again Vijender has delivered for India. He somehow thrives under pressure. But unfortunately, he slipped in the first round of the final against the English boxer (Antony Fowler) and in the new scoring system that may have gone against him. Under the new system, judges don't just see punches, they also see a boxer's overall impression and probably Viju lost out there.
Sarita Devi (57-60 kg, silver)
Sarita has always been a very spirited fighter and began well in her final (against Australia's Shelley Watson) and won the first round (30-27). But she probably got tired thereafter, her punches weakened and she lost the next three rounds.
