Manish Kaushik takes heart from improved showing

Manish Kaushik learnt the importance of boxing at a good speed as he raised his game to bag a bronze medal in the World boxing championships.

Manish Kaushik has taken lot of confidence from his bronze at the worlds.

Manish Kaushik learnt the importance of boxing at a good speed as he raised his game to bag a bronze medal in the World boxing championships in Ekaterinburg.

The 23-year-old armyman, who is known for his clean punches and good combinations, was delighted with his overall effort in the World championships. “World championships was my best experience as a boxer. I worked on my speed and skill and it benefitted. I felt like being an improved boxer,” Manish told Sportstar on Monday.

“I learnt the need to box at a faster speed. It helps one win points, win bouts... The success at one of the biggest platforms in the world gave me a lot of confidence. Fighting with some of the best in the business, like Asian Games, Olympics and Worlds medalists, was a big boost. My new confidence level should work well for me in the Olympic qualifier.”

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Hailing from the boxing hub, Bhiwani district, of Haryana, Manish – who took to the sport after being inspired by Vijender Singh’s Beijing Olympics medal – said he trusted his own approach. “I don’t believe in going all out and wasting energy needlessly. I study the rival and look where I can score points.”

“Manish was fantastic through the whole week. He showed better level than what he showed before. It was a new weight category for him (after switching from 60kg to 63kg) and the way he boxed with stronger and bigger boxers and the maturity he showed was superb,” high performance director Santiago Nieva said.

Manish said he would have to lift his game for the continental Olympic qualifier in Wuhan, China, in February. “I need to work on my strength as per my new weight class and improve my game,” said Manish.