I started boxing at the age of 12. But I've never been in an actual match. It's hard having Indian parents and an overprotective coach. But one day, I mustered the courage to confront my coach in a firm, bold manner.
POW
Oh, come on! I'm here every morning and every weekend working. Please! Please I beg! I really want to! Please!
I jumped with joy. It was finally my time to prove my worth. I went home and decided to tell my mom. This was going to be the hard part.
Coach Lewsley, I think I wanna get into the ring...
Yeah, no. I don't think your ready.
Alright! Well...I don't know. I guess I could work you in for 3 months from now. Training starts tomorrow.
Uh-oh. Not a good sign.
No, no! I'm really good. Coach Lewsley said he could train me and let me put in the work. I promise, Ma. I'll be fine.
Hey Ma! Guess what! Coach Lewsley said I could get into an actual boxing match.
What. My golgappu is going to get hurt. No way.
Also, if I am not ready in time, you can pull me out of the match as quick as a pot on a stove
Yes! Don't worry at all. I may have the brains of a squirrel, but I never lose in a competition.
Fine. But if you aren't prepared, I am never letting you do this again.
Coach Lewsley had changed. His competitive way of running things turned on like a light bulb. It was clear he was being aggressive to put me back in shape. If I wanted to win this thing, I knew I had better get to work.
YOU WANNA BE A BOXER? YOU'RE GONNA BE TREATED LIKE ONE.
SHUT UP AND GET TO THE BAG.
Did I do something wrong?
Hey Coach Lewsley!
Coach Lewsley took me to my first meeting. It was to see my opponent. This meeting could go as smooth as butter as long as I kept my cool. I reminded myself to keep the eyes on the trophy. Coach Lewsley and I both knew getting mad at competition was not the right way to start a match.
It was pressure at first. I didn't know how to handle the yelling. Everyday was a repeat.
DO YOU WANT THIS OR NOT? WHEN I SAY JAB, JAB THE DANG BAG!
Ai-yah!
I got the hang of it after a few days. The words, "Train like a robot. Fight like a robot. Become the robot," echoed inside of me. I would go home to ice baths in my shower. That would end up being the enjoyable time of the day. There was no time for rest. Focus was key.
YES! YES, THAT'S WHAT I LIKE! BLOCK!
Okay, Mr. Confident! I think that's him in the distance!
Ready to meet this guy?
More than ready.
I think I jinxed myself. Did I? Oh, no! What if I slip and fall? What if he's 6ft 4 and muscular? What if I have to cancel the match?
It was time to bring home the trophy. All the training came down to this.
Alright then. You're gonna be eating dust. Bring it on!
Hey! I'm Subha! What's your na-
Skip the small talk. I got places to be. Hope you're in shape for the match. Skinny punches won't cut it.
The disrespect he gives! Oh, it's on now!
We both exchanged body shots and blocked jabs. For every cross he sent, I responded with a jab. He punched me in the chest. The pain was intolerable. I was close to collapsing.
Look in a mirror!
QUIET! We'll settle this in the match.
Let's see about that, stick!
After what seemed to be hours, I finally hit him in the nose. He stumbled back and ended up on the floor. I was about to release myself onto his helpless body. However, the referee beat me to his spot and started to count. He then lifted up a red card.
Hey Ma. I just wanted to let you know the match is tomorrow. I wanted to seek your feedback and know if you still want me to continue with the match.
You have my blessings, Subha. I saw the hard work you put in and I know you're ready. Don't worry! I'll be in those bleachers cheering alongside with you.
Thanks, Ma.
You got this, Subha!
Yes, sir!
BRING IT HOME!
I want a clean match. If I see any funny business, I will pull you all out. Am I understood?
Ai-yah! Untz!
1-2-3-4-5-6-7! Out. Red Card. Red side wins!
Yes!
Who's the loser now!
Excitement filled my veins. I saw my mother smiling at me and my Coach winking at me. I have never felt happier knowing my hard work paid off.
Whoo! That's my boy!
Right side wins!
I smiled eagerly like an eight-year old meeting a puppy. My love for boxing had been solidified. There was no turning back now.
Subha, you did great!
Thank you, Ma! I couldn't have done it without your support.
By: Subha Sundaram
Of course! I'll let you two be!
If you don't mind, Ms. Shalini, I would like to take Subha out for a walk.
The 7 Seconds
I BECAME THE STORM.
MY TRAINING MADE ME A DIFFERENT BREED. ONE THAT WOULD STOP AT NOTHING TO ACHIEVE VICTORY.
THE BLOOD VESSELS IN MY EYES WOULD POP FROM EXCESSIVE TRAINING. MY BODY ACHED AS I TOOK A BREAK. I WOULD NO LONGER RUN FROM THE STORM OF MY OBSTACLES.
No, no buddy! That was all you. Let's go on a walk. I wanna teach you something
Hey Coach! Thanks so much for your help.
What are we waiting for then? Let's go!
The next...?
Great! As long as you know the method. You ready for the next one?
Tournament! You didn't think we were going to stop the grind after only one, did you?