Draw favourable to Indian boxers: coach

New Delhi: Former national coach O P Bhardwaj finds the boxing draw at the Sydney Olympics favourable to the Indians.

''Indian boxers are lucky to have this kind of a draw. With a bye, Dingko will get some rest,'' Bhardwaj said. He feels Dingko could do well against his Ukrainian rival Danylehenko Sergie who is new in the international arena.

''I think Dingko should find it easy to get into the semi-finals.'' Asian Games champion N Dingko Singh got a respite of five days after a bye as per the draw announced on Friday.

Dingko Singh, who is in the 52 kg category, was earlier scheduled to fight on September 17, would now take on Ukraine's Danylchenko Sergie on September 21.

In 75 kg (middle weight) category, Jitender Kumar boxes with Canada's Orr Donald Grant on September 18. ''During his training in Cuba Jitender had won against world number 2. And officials there had said he was a real medal prospect,'' Bhardwaj said.

Gurcharan Singh takes on another Korean Choi Ki Soo in over-81 kg (light heavy) category on September 20th. Gurcharan had defeated Cho earlier. The former national coach said he could repeat that feat here too.

In 48 kg (light fly) category, S Suresh faces Korean Kim Ki Suk on September 17. ''Kim is not even a Asian champion,'' Bhardwaj said.

''I feel this is the best draw we could have hoped for. Our boxers should be positive and go for the kill,'' he said.

Indian Amateur Boxing Federation (IABF) president Ashok Kumar Mattoo, who is also the Chef de Mission of the Indian contingent said in Sydney, ''Our boxers are fully fit and ready to take on their rivals. We will fight every bit of the bout and I am confident the boys will do well.''

UNI