Proud would be an understatement when Nehal Chand steps into the ring in the Solomon Islands ready to make his first-ever Pacific Games appearance for Fiji.
The 54kg boxer is one of the seven amateur boxers chosen for the Pacific Games which is set to start on November 19.
Chand, 22, who started boxing at the age of 19, shared that his love for boxing started after watching Mexican professional boxer Canelo Alvarez on television.
“I used to follow boxing when I was in high school but my interest to actually be a boxer sparked when I saw Canelo Alvarez. He is my idol and I love the way he punches, his skills, and just the way he dominates in the ring. Watching him really inspired me to take up this sport.”
The former Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School student who is now studying Information Systems and Computer Science at the University of the South Pacific found a delicate balance between boxing and his studies.
“I train six days a week from Monday to Saturday. I allocate Fridays for studying and it’s a bit easy for me since my classes are online. This routine has been working for me in the past four years, it gets hard sometimes but I have a ‘never give up’ spirit so I keep working towards my goals.
“I’m really proud to be representing my country and I know this is only the beginning of bigger things to come so I have to really give my 100 per cent. I want that gold medal at the Solomon Islands,” Chand shared.
The Suva lad expects tough competition from the Australian and New Zealand boxers.
“I guess the toughest competition will come from New Zealand and of course the Australians. I have to push myself more to achieve that target at the Pacific Games.
“Wins and losses are an integral part of this sport so with each fight I gain experience and with that, I improve and make adjustments to my strategies.”
Nehal Chand along with Daniel Chand, Samisoni Goneiwai, Aminiasi Saratibau, and Josaia Veiqaravi will compete in the Pacific Games for the first time.
The five complement the experience of 2019 silver medallist Jone Davule Koroilagilagi and army man Elia Rokobuli.
Fiji Amateur boxing coach Cameron Todd explained that taking a young team is build up to the Olympics and Commonwealth Games.
