Suranjoy to open India's boxing campaign

One year ago at the Asian Championships in Zhuhai, China, when flyweight Indian boxer Mayengbam Suranjoy clinched the title, he ended India's 15-year long gold drought.This time around, when the Manipuri will step into the ring to begin his Asian Games campaign against Chatchai Butdee of Thailand at the Foshan Gymnasium in Guangzhou on Tuesday, he will be the best bet for India to help them end their 12-yearlong gold-less run at the Asiad Games.Digko Singh was the last Indian to triumph a gold at the 1998 Bangkok Asian Games.

Now, as Suranjoy bids for the gold, his claim doesn't look unrealistic.The 24-year-old boxer has clinched seven gold medals, including one at the recent Commonwealth Games, since March 2009 and is a clear favourite against Butdee whose maintain to fame is reaching the quarter-finals of the World Championships last year and a gold at the South East Asian Games in Laos, also last year.The Thai is no threat to the mighty Indian, who is known for his electric moves and reflexes in the ring.But, at the same time, no Thai boxer can be taken lightly as the country is known to churn out the world and Olympic champions.

On the other hand, Suranjoy is also fancied for the gold and he has the skills to emerge triumphant even against the best in Asia. His quickness inside the ring often induces his opponents to commit mistakes. Unlike many Indian boxers, Suranjoy throws four-five punches in one burst and has better chances to log good scores.Even an ardent fan outside Thailand would know little about Butdee and at 25, he is known as the upcoming boxer. So, Tuesday clash against Suranjoy will be a test of quest for success for Butdee.