Mandeep Jangda :: Arjun Awardee This 22-year old demonstrated that the future of Indian boxing is in safe hands after winning silver for India at the 2014 Commonwealth Games at Glasgow in the welterweight category. Mandeep Jangra has also won silver at the 2013 Asian Amateur Boxing Championship. Coached by Akhil Kumar, he is clearly an exciting prospect. Surprised and elated in equal measure after becoming the only boxer to be picked for the Arjuna Awards this year, the fast-rising Mandeep Jangra says he never expected to come this far given that not many, apart from his mentor Akhil Kumar, had faith in him. Speaking to PTI from Italy, where the 22-year-old is currently training for the upcoming Asian Championships scheduled later this month, Mandeep said he is more happy for his mentor than himself. "He has more faith in me than anybody else and I am happy that his faith is being proved right. I never expected this award so early in my career but because Akhil bhai and his wife Poonam, who is my formative coach, I have managed to deliver because of their hard work," Mandeep said. "Not many thought that I was good enough to compete at the highest level and I am happy to have proved the detractors wrong." Mandeep is currently a silver-medallist in the Asian Championships besides being a Commonwealth Games silver winner. According to him "The World Championship and Rio Olympics are the two biggest events – winning medals in these events is much more than winning medals in any other event, not that those other events are lesser in significance. I have been fortunate to get all required support from government authorities, Anglian Medal Hunt Company and Adani group." The welterweight (69kg) boxer would be attempting to better his silver at the Asian meet in the upcoming edition to be held in Bangkok from August 26. With the dates of the event clashing with the National Sports Awards ceremony on August 29, 2015, Mandeep won't be able to collect the trophy personally. Boxer Mandeep Jangra, was also named for the Arjuna award, but could not attend the function. They will receive their awards at a later date from sports minister Sarbananda Sonowal.