'I am confident that India will put up a good show in the World Championships. I will give my best to win a medal,' said Akhil.

'The following of the sport has grown after Olympics. The boxers have also performed well in international tournaments and it has raised the profile of the sport,' said Akhil.

Indian coach Gurbax Singh Sandhu said the competition will be tough at the World Championships.

'But we have a strong team and we are well-prepared,' said Sandhu.

While the team departs Thursday, Vijender and assistant coach Jaidev Bisht would stay back to receive the Khel Ratna and the Dronacharya award respectively from President Patil. They would leave after the investiture on Aug 29 night.

'It is a dream come true for me and I did not want to miss it,' Vijender said about the honour.