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SINGAPORE: Singapore boxers have been absent from the Southeast Asian Games for the past 14 years.
But all that is set to change next week, when two boxers will be flying the Singapore flag at this year's Southeast Asian Games in Laos. The boxers are focused on doing the country proud and have committed to full-time training to achieve their goal.
26-year-old Khairul Anuar has been in the sport for six years, and recently clinched a bronze at the 2009 Arafura Games in Australia. On the other hand, gutsy 22-year-old Muhamad Ridhwan is keen to make his mark on the sport.
Although boxing has seen a decline in Singapore in the past decade, it did not dampen the team's passion or preparations - which included six weeks of training in Cebu, in boxing-mad Philippines.
"We got to spar like with world champions, Asia-Pacific champions. It was an amazing experience and they are world champions, they are title holders, but we are not that far behind. So I believe everybody stands a chance in this SEA Games," said Khairul.
However, the boxers said they would have benefited from more specialised training support.
"Before the whole thing, we were doing strength and conditioning on our own. But for this SEA Games we had a specialist working with us, but the time is too short. So hopefully, next time we can work with him further and do more of it," said Muhamad.
Despite the less-than-perfect preparations, their coach believes they are peaking at the right time.
"I will be really happy and contented if the boys can reach the semi-finals. It depends on the draw, and on the day of the competition things can happen. They will definitely put up a very good show, they will definitely," said Syed Abdul Kadir, Boxing Team Manager and Coach, who is a 30-year-veteran of the sport and Singapore's most illustrious boxer.
The Singapore Amateur Boxing Association is not too concerned if Singapore does not win a medal in Laos. The newly elected President, Syed Kadir, is targeting a gold medal at the next edition of the SEA Games in 2011 - as more youngsters are groomed.
- CNA/sc
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