Hyderabad: The Boxing Federation of India on Monday nominated World No. 1 boxer in 52kg category Amit Phanghal for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award. In a freewheeling conversation with ETV Bharat, the Tokyo Olympic bound boxer, Amit Panghal, has talked about his preparations, time at home, fitness, friends and foods and his love for football and wrestling.
Excerpts...
Tell us about your schedule in lockdown?
Amit: During the lockdown, we are doing the same practice as we used to do at camp or home before. We are trying to maintain our fitness.
What was your first reaction to the news of the postponement of the Olympics?
Amit: See, in both ways I think it is good. Even if the Olympics were as per schedule, our fitness and confidence were quite good. I am world number one, so my confidence was high. We will also benefit from this. Now we will get more time to know about our opponents. With this, we will be able to practice better. We will also be able to work on our weaknesses.
Amid COVID-19 pandemic it is important to practice social distancing. Boxing is a contact sport. So how are you managing your rhythm?
Amit: Right now we are paying more attention to fitness. If we remain fit, then we will be able to pay good attention to our game when the situation improves. We will be able to do well if we have sparring sessions in future.
Are you missing the national camp?
Amit: It is difficult to find the atmosphere of the national camp at home. We are missing the camp. We used to laugh, joke and eat together. Now, I am missing that too. At this time, we should have been at the peak of our form. As the Olympics have been postponed for a year now, we have to start preparing for the 2021 Olympics.
Other than boxing, which sports do you follow and who is your favourite athlete?
Amit: Apart from boxing, I like wrestling and football. During Pro Wrestling League I watched all the matches. I also watch football during the World Cup. My favourite boxer is Vasyl Lomachenko, a two-time Olympic champion from Ukraine. I follow him. I also try to copy his game.
Who is your friend in the Indian boxing team?
Amit: I have many good friends but there are two-three with whom I spend maximum time. Sanjeet Kumar and Brijesh Yadav, who went to the World Championships, is my roommates. I spend most of my time with them.
What do you do at home after training?
Amit: I fly kite with the children at our rooftop. I also do my training with them and watch videos of my oppositions. As far as TV series are concerned, I watch Mahabharata and Ramayana.
Who is your favourite actor and actress?
Amit: I don't watch movie much, but I like Akshay Kumar Randeep Hooda a lot.
Are you paying attention to diet at home?
Amit: I can't maintain my diet at home. It is difficult. So I am eating what my mom cooks for us keeping weight in mind.
Which dish do you like the most prepared by your mother?
Amit: Kheer (Payasam) and Churma. Sometimes, I also prepare coffee for my mother.
