Haqq eyes Olympic glory
Saturday, November 6 2010
Source: www.newsday.co.tt By Kern Ramlochan
Boxer Tariq Abdul Haqq has shifted his focus to winning gold at the London 2012 Olympics after successful performances this year at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games as well as at the Commonwealth Games.
The super heavyweight boxer punched his way to a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games and a bronze at the CAC Games and is one of Trinidad and Tobago’s main hopes for a medal at the London 2012 Games.
“I am really looking forward to participating in the Olympic Games and hopefully I could join Hasely Crawford as our next gold medallist” said Haqq confidently.
He added, “The Olympic Games is going to be in 2012 and that is basically the pinnacle of everything.”
The Commonwealth silver medallist revealed that he is gradually returning to training and will intensify his preparations next year.
“Currently I am in my off-season and I plan to start back training from next week to do some maintenance work to prepare me for when I start back training around next year February” said Haqq.
He continued: “The Olympics is the next step, in order to participate in the Olympics I am going to need to qualify next year at the World Boxing Championships which is in September/October so when I start training in February next year I should be preparing for that major event.”
Haqq explained that the silver medal at the Commonwealth Games has given him a gauge on his boxing and where he needs to be to win a gold medal at the Olympic Games in two years time. “Actually it is a pretty good measuring stick. The Commonwealth Games is right under the Olympic Games in terms of magnitude, so achieving a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games you automatically know that you have a certain standard, a high standard, that you are world class material to move on to the Olympics and do great things” he added.
The law student noted that it has been difficult balancing boxing with his academics but attributed his support structure and dedication as important areas which have ensured his success.
“(It has been) pretty difficult to balance off, for example going to the Commonwealth Games I had to stay away from classes.
Sometimes there is a bit of a clash when it comes to when you want to train and when you want to study but you just have to pray and everything will work out in the end” noted Haqq.
He revealed that after the London Olympics a decision will be made about his future and which path he intends to persue.
“I have to decide next what I want to do after the Olympics because next year I am not too sure when I complete the actual law degree if I am going to try to get into law school because I will be considering a professional career” Haqq said.