`India boxers were unlucky`

Zeenews Bureau New Delhi, Dec 18: After the Indian contingent got four bronze medals from the Boxing World Cup 2008 at Moscow, Olympic bronze medallist Vijender Singh feels that the men were “a bit unlucky in the end”. But nevertheless, he is very happy with the performance of the Indian pugilists in the tournament. In an interview to an Indian newspaper, Vijender said that even he “was very keen to play” at Moscow but a back injury abstained him from participating. “I was unable to make it to the World Cup mainly because of my injury. I was very keen to play there, but unfortunately, it couldn’t happen,” said Vijender. “I am glad and very happy, though, about the way my boxer colleagues Akhil Kumar, Jitender Kumar, Dinesh Lakra and Anthresh Lakra performed during the championship. They fought bravely and didn’t lose hope at all.” Akhil Kumar lost to Olympic silver medallist Yankiel Leon Alarcon in the semi-finals to settle for a bronze medal in the 54kg category. Jitender Kumar ran out of steam against Olympic silver medallist Hernandez Laffita, losing 6-14 in the 51kg division, thus, also settling for a bronze. AL Lakra also put up a brave fight against Cuban Idel Torriente but eventually lost 3-6 to settle for the third spot. Light heavy weight pugilist Dinesh Kumar lost to Russia`s Artur Berbetiev. “All the four players played well, but they were a bit unlucky in the end. But the biggest point is that they filled my space completely,” said the Bhiwani lad.