Juice Corner to be credited for Boxing Performance

It is a small juice corner located at the edge of Ghantaghar chowk in Bhiwani, which could be given the credit for powering the local pugilists to win at the Olympics.

The secret behind strength and fitness of the "fabulous four" in Indian boxing team, including bronze medallist Bijender Kumar, quarterfinalists duo Akhil Kumar and Jitender Kumar, and Dinesh Kumar lies here as the four had gulped down gallons of fruit juice and milk shake.

Krishan, owner of the juice shop, proudly proclaims he has made significant contribution in making the punches of these pugilists strong enough. "They used to be in jolly mood after tough practice session when they arrived at my shop and cracked jokes at each other."

Putting grapefruits and pomegranates in his juice machine, he seems little upset with Vijender's loss. "Though he tried his best, his rival boxer appeared to be marginally ahead in technique. But winning a medal at the Olympics was in itself a great achievement." The ouster of Akhil however hurt him the most, as like many others, he too had pinned high hopes on him.

When asked about the quantity of juice intake by them, he said, "They are very strict about their diet and take their fixed quota". He informed he required a daily supply of about four quintals of grapefruits to make juice, and about 50 litres of milk for shakes for the sports persons. "Mango shake is a favourite item of Bijender during mango season".

Krishan fondly remembers the day when he provoked Akhil and the others during a jolly session at his shop. He had taunted the foursome, " Tum bas ghunse hi bajate rahoge ya kuchch karke bhi dikhaoge. (You guys will just remain engaged in punching around or will you be able to achieve success and glory). Akhil had replied that a day could come that you would crave to shake hands with us."

When asked if that day had arrived, he stated, "Yeah, they have become successful now. I will definitely offer special juice to them for their achievements when they revisit my shop. Still, I am looking forward to the day when these players will win gold medals in Olympic Games."