A comparatively much taller Akilesh Mandal made for an intimidating opponent against the diminutive Mujahid Shaikh, but it was just like the biblical tale of David beating Goliath, here too
Mujahid Shaikh (blue corner) lands a right-handed punch against Akilesh Mandal during their 38-kg category final bout in the BMC U-14 boxing tournament in Lower Parel yesterday
A comparatively much taller Akilesh Mandal made for an intimidating opponent against the diminutive Mujahid Shaikh. But just like the biblical tale of David beating Goliath, here too, a brave, little Mujahid of Madanpura Municipal Urdu School conquered his giant opponent from Sakharam Tare Marg Municipal School (Borivli), in the 38-kg final of the Brihanmumbai Muncipal Corporation (BMC) U-14 boxing tournament at the NM Joshi Marg Municipal School, in Lower Parel yesterday.
Mujahid Shaikh (blue corner) lands a right-handed punch against Akilesh Mandal during their 38-kg category final bout in the BMC U-14 boxing tournament in Lower Parel yesterday. Pic/Suresh Karkera
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Mujahid admitted he was nervous after seeing his opponent. "I was worried when I saw him the first time. He was taller than me and his better reach could have worked against me, but somehow, I managed to beat him," an elated Mujahid told mid-day after the bout yesterday.
Family backing
Besides overpowering an opponent twice his size in the ring, Mujahid had to scale an even bigger hill off it.
Mujahid comes from a very humble background. He lives in a shanty in Byculla with his elder brother Irfan, a welder, and grandmother Hazra Khatun, who works as a cleaner in a building on Arthur Road. His parents live in Bihar, and life in Mumbai is a struggle. They work very hard to make ends meet and pursuing boxing as a career is something beyond them. But elder brother Irfan is backing Mujahid to the hilt.
"My parents and I have always let Mujahid go forth and pursue his dreams. He likes boxing and we want him to do well in it," Irfan said. Mujahid's coach Parvez Khan said his ward has a lot of talent but rued the boy's shortage of funds.
"He has tremendous potential, but his poor background could prove to be hindrance in his future development," said Khan. "I try and provide proper diet and boxing gear, but there's a limit to what I can do. If Mujahid can get some sponsorship, sky is the limit for the little fellow," added the coach.
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