I was nervous, says Jai Bhagwan

NEW DELHI: Jai Bhagwan followed his Patiala roommate Vijender Singh as the third Indian boxer to make it to the pre-quarterfinals of the Olympics.
Vikas Krishan, the welterweight boxer had already got a bye in the first round. In action on Sunday, and in his maiden Olympics, Jai admitted to feeling the nerves as he entered the ring but soon picked the rhythm against 19-year-old Andrique Allisop of Seychelles.
"The experience of first bout in the Olympics was good. I felt a little nervous initially, but the nervousness settled as the match progressed," Jai told TOI exclusively from London. "Four point advantage after the first round gave me the confidence," the added lightweight (60kg) boxer added.
"Strategies are made in the ring. The idea was to earn maximum points in the first round itself," the 26-year-old said, pointing out how he boxed at a long range and took an early 7-3 lead in the opening round.
On Saturday's setback featuring Shiva Thapa, Jai had words of encouragement. "Everything is alright. Shiva is in his room. He was upset earlier, but is normal now. He is only 18," Jai said.