Asian Junior and Youth Championships: Training at public park paying off for young Rohit
Express News Service
CHENNAI: Over the last few years or so Rohit Chamoli could have been spotted at a public park in Chandigarh along with other kids, carrying out boxing drills with dreams to become a champion. With his nifty footwork and pinpoint punches on Sunday, Rohit produced what he has learnt during those sessions and is now one hit away from gold, a medal that could potentially add fuel to his nascent career.
Taking part in his second fight of the Asian Junior and Youth Championships (Dubai), Rohit used his height to his advantage to see off Aidar Kadyrkhan of Kazakhstan in the light flyweight (48kg) category. “I’m really delighted,” Rohit said, after registering a 5-0 victory.
The youngster, who lives with his relatives in Chandigarh, picked up the sport from his elder sister. “My sister used to box so I asked her if I could join her. That’s how I began,” he said.
Coming from a humble background, it is his coach, Joginder Kumar, who sowed the love for the sport in Rohit’s young mind with words of encouragement over the years. Rohit’s father, who resides at Nayagaon (Mohali) works at a private hotel and is the sole breadwinner of the family.
Joginder himself harboured dreams of becoming a sportsperson once upon a time but that remained unfulfilled due to various reasons. But that did not extinguish his passion for sports. Joginder has been coaching Rohit and the rest of the students at the Bougainvillea Garden in the city. “I have no space. I have been training there for the last 10 years or so. I have no money to build an academy,” Joginder, who works for Punjab Police, said.
