India's professional boxing champion Vijender Singh has always been vocal in his praise for his successor Vikas Krishan, and yesterday the middleweight (75kg) boxer proved yet again just why he's among the best in business. Vikas, 26, punched his way into the history books, despite a deep gash on his left eyelid, to become the first Indian boxer to win medals at three consecutive Asian Games.

He won gold in the 60kg category at the 2010 Guangzhou Asiad and followed it up with a bronze in the 75kg at Incheon. He beat China's Tuoheta Erbieke Tanglatihan 3-2 via a split decision to storm into the semi-finals and assure himself of a medal here yesterday.