Mary Kom should be made president of new boxing federation: Vijender Singh

Bengaluru, Sep 19: A week before the much awaited election to form an authorised boxing federation in India, the icon in Indian boxing Vijender Singh seems not to be optimistic at all with the future of the sport in the country.

Boxing is 'almost dead', says Mary

Vijender, who left a couple of days before for London to resume his training for his 8th professional bout, likely to take place around in November, looked dejected as usual when asked about the forthcoming election to stop the impasse in the country's boxing scenario which has been in jeopardy for last 4 years.

Vijender said, "The scenario is not at all expected to change. After election, the people who have been at the helm of affairs and who have been associated with the administration for long time in Indian boxing will finally come with the power. And they have done nothing for the boxing for so many years. How can then change now? The same people will be sitting on the chairs. So, the scenario is unlikely to change."

And the bronze medallist in 2008 Bejing Olympics, defending his clarification added, "If the people in the present ad-hoc committee, who have been temporarily running the show for last four years, had honestly sought a change in the administration they would have invited Mary Kom and made her the president."

Vijender revealed it is his claim that only the country's experienced boxers like Mary, Akhil Kumar, Dinesh Kumar along with some young and dynamic officials can change the scenario of country's boxing and help to produce more boxers of international standard who can bring laurels from international championships.

And the 30-year old boxer said, "I am sure none of the officials have ever contacted Mary before the election. At least I have been in India for last 4 to 5 months. I have not received a single call from any of the existing officials seeking any proper suggestion for the development of boxing in India."

Vijender also did not forget to divulge that the ongoing stalemate had forced him to think over leaving the amateur boxing and become professional after he achieved bronze.

OneIndia News