INDIAN movies superstar Rajnikanth is known for his stylish moves and song-and-dance. And Pavithran Rajini Kanth (pic) was much like him at the Malaysia Games (Sukma) boy’s 48-51kg boxing final.
He strutted into the ring with confidence and stared down at his rival. Then, 20-year-old from Penang pummelled Selangor’s Mohd Irfan Haikal Mohd Fazli 5-0.
After Pavithran was given a unanimous 10-point decision by all five judges throughout the three rounds, he danced with joy after ending his two-year wait for a gold medal.
Pavithran managed to reach the final in his first Sukma appearance in Kuala Lumpur but settled for silver behind Perak’s Abdul Qaiyum Ariffin.
“I was determined not to miss the chance this time as it is my last Sukma competition,” he said.
“In KL two years ago, I lost to a national boxer who was training for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games at that time, so this was my last chance to get the gold medal for Penang and also for myself.
“I fought well throughout the quarter-finals and semis to reach the final without any problem, so I knew the final was the hardest hurdle.
“I needed to be aggressive and convincing after the bell rang,” said Pavithran, whose father is a big fan of the Indian movie star.
Pavithran later dedicated the gold medal to his family, fellow coaches and sparring partners.
It was the second boxing gold for Penang. Mohd Rizal Wahidi overcame Najmuddin Abdul Rahman from Negri Sembilan 5-0 in the boy’s 51-54kg category final on Thursday.
