im.press 1: Round 1, FIGHT!
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In a show of exemplary dedication and discipline, he refused to be interviewed during training and requested that we come back in a couple of hours. We obliged, wanting to play no part in distracting the young boxer. Afterall, Hanurdeen or as affectionately known to his close friends and family as Hanu, has his mind set on representing Singapore in the Olympics as a boxer.
Hanurdeen was 17 years old and then a student at Serangoon Gardens Secondary School, when he received a call from the Boxing world champion Manny Pacquiao, the first to conquer seven different weight divisions. Manny wanted to have a chat with Hanu on his preparation for the YOG in Singapore. "It was a priceless feeling. Whatever Manny said to me gave me a boost and until today those words ring in my head. He told me that the boxers in the ring are equal and they are humans too. This advice and the motivation to win keep me going and when I lose, I just keep trying harder," he says.
Inspirational Mother & Son
Hanu’s journey to national boxing glory is far from rosy. He and his two brothers were single-handedly raised by their mother, Mdm. Jarina Begum, who works at a rojak stall in Little India. Her tireless efforts in providing the best for her three boys became an inspiration to Hanurdeen. He overcame social and financial challenges to eventually excel in boxing and become an inspiration himself.
Hanurdeen (in Red) in the ring against Syed Muhammad Asif from Pakistan during the 4th Taipei City Cup
His achievement in advancing to the semi-finals of the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in 2010 as Singapore’s sole representative in boxing has initiated a renaissance in the sport. More youngsters aspire to enter the ring and Singapore sent a team of five to South East Asian Games in 2013, up from just two in 2011. In both Games, Hanu competed in the flyweight category.
Delinquency to Discipline
Hanu recalls being a difficult student for teachers especially when he was in his primary school days, often getting into trouble for mischief. The turning point came in a round of boxing sessions initiated by his older brother, Mr. Hanif in an effort to instil discipline in him. The young boxer pursued his passion with rigorous and regular trainings, dramatically changing his outlook on life and attitude towards discipline. Although he sacrificed a year of schooling to train for YOG, he bounced back with the same zeal to pursue a diploma in Sports Coaching at Republic Polytechnic.
Training
Hanu trains at the U2Can Format for Combat gym under coach and founder, Coach Balasundram who is also the vice-president of the Singapore Amateur Boxing Association. The young boxer regards and respects his coach as one of his biggest motivators in boxing and beyond.
“Hanu is one of the best youth boxers in Singapore and given his superb attitude and modesty, he will go far. His approach to success is unique. For example, just after being declared the gold medal winner for the Penang International Boxing Championships, he immediately placed the gold medal in his pocket and started skipping. That is the attitude of champions”
What are 3 things you do to pick yourself up again when you fall?
Hanurdeen listening to his coach as he awaits his next round at the 4th Taipei City Cup 2014.
I keep reminding myself of my goals.
I consider every setback a lesson for me to keep improving myself.
I tell myself that if it was easy, everyone can do it and this gives me the extra drive to pick myself up.
What is your biggest accomplishment outside of boxing?
I cannot say that I have a biggest accomplishment but to me, be it in sports or studies, every time I make my mum proud, that is my biggest accomplishment.
Any advice for youths to excel in their field?
Be passionately driven and determined. Nothing is impossible.
Rocky Balboa atop the steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.