Rahul Gandhi may behaving many commandos to defend him but the young politician believes inself-defence and learnt some boxing skills from India's first Dronacharyaawardee OmPrakash Bharadwaj.

The veterancoach said that Gandhi learnt techniques of boxing from him for two months lastyear with the objective of keeping himself physically and psychologically fitfor a busy political life.

"In thebeginning I was also surprised why he wanted to learn boxing because I was surethat he was not going to box in the ring. But later I realised that he was keento have some knowledge about the art of self defence," he added.

The70-year-old coach-cum-commentator said Rahul had great interest in sports andhe was also a good shooter, swimmer and horse-rider.

"Iobserved that he likes sports. He is a good swimmer, shooter and horse rider.He is interested to have elementary knowledge in various activities and keephimself busy.

The formerboxer rated 39-year-old Rahul as a great learner, who is physically very fit."Youwon't believe but he was too good and had prior knowledge of a few boxingtechniques. He would also discuss about the game's various techniques. I foundhim physically quite fit. For instance, knowing his busy schedule I kept forhim light training and for the warm-up would ask him to run one round of hisresidence ground. But he would ask me if the drill was enough and run two morerounds.

The caochwas all praise for Rahul's humility and was completely bowled over by hismanners and etiquettes.

"Oneday when I wanted some water to drink, instead of asking any attendant hehimself rushed to the kitchen to fetch me water. On another occasion, when hewas escorting me to their gate, Soniaji called him but he replied 'let me seesir up to the gate and then I will come'. What better behaviour and etiquette Ican expect from such a top youngster of the country?" he said.