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Qamar confident of Olympic qualification

By M. Chhaya in Kolkata
May 06, 2004 20:28 IST
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Ali Qamar is gunning for one of the two slots that are up for grabs in the Olympics boxing qualifier, being held in Karachi.

Qamar told rediff.com before heading for Pakistan that he has prepared well for the meet and is confident of bagging a berth in the Indian Olympics team.

The qualifiers are being held between May 6 and 11. Seven pugilists qualify for the Games, of which five have already made the grade.

"There are two more slots left. I'm under no pressure, but hope to come back successful from Pakistan," Qamar said.

For the past few months, Qamar, who grabbed limelight after his stupendous performance at the Commonwealth Games, has trained at the Sports Authority of India complex in Patiala.

"I've paid attention to fine-tuning the technical aspects of my game. My coach has made a few technical changes in my original style," Qamar said.

The gritty boxer's main challenge is expected to come from the pugilists from Uzbekistan, Korea and The Philippines.

Qamar said he has done his homework on the Uzbek and Filipino boxers.

"I have practiced with boxers who fight in their style. So I should have no problem."

His homework done well, Qamar is now drawing inspiration by watching videocassettes of the fights of the great Mohammed Ali.

"Mohammed Ali inspires me. He is my idol," Qamar said with reverence.

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M. Chhaya in Kolkata

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