Khelo India University Games 2020: Brothers from Patiala Show No Mercy in Boxing Final

Bhubaneswar (Adarsh Rout): It is not often that you would see siblings studying in different schools or universities or indeed, a pair of brothers or sisters taking on each other in a high-profile final in an individual sport.

That’s precisely what happened here on the final day of the Khelo India University Games 2020 in Odisha. Gurwinder Singh (Punjabi University, Patiala) fought with younger brother Harwinder Singh (Chandigarh University, Chandigarh) in the final of the 49kg category, adding a dash of emotion to the drama.

Gurwinder got the better of Harwinder, in what proved to be a close encounter, to clinch the gold. He is now 2-1 up in their head-to-head clashes. “When we get into the ring, we forget that we are brothers. Both of us want to win at any cost and we show no mercy to one another,” Gurwinder said.

As proof of the intensity of their rivalry, he showed the cut above his right eye that surfaced during the bout. Interestingly, the brothers are coached by the same man, Cuba’s BI Bernandez. The Cuban is credited with revolutionizing Indian boxing, even becoming the first non-Indian to receive the Dronacharya award in 2012 for his efforts. He believes that the brothers have a bright future in the sport.