Vijender Singh turns pro: Haryana police warns boxer of action

Chandigarh, Jun 30: Haryana police today warned of action against Olympic bronze-medallist boxer Vijender Singh if he failed to seek permission from the state government for turning professional.

"He (Vijender) is a government servant and he cannot accept another employment. Without government's permission, how he can accept money from other place," Haryana Additional DGP (Administration) K K Sharma said here.

"If he does so on his own, then action can be taken against him," he further said.

Sharma said Vijender could be discharged from services if he fails to get permission from the government. He said that Haryana Police does not have any official intimation about Vijendar turning pro.

Action, if any in the matter, can only be taken after there is official confirmation. Vijender, the country's most celebrated boxer, yesterday bid adieu to his amateur career by turning professional, ruling himself out of next year's Rio Olympics.

The first Indian boxer to win an Olympic medal -- the 29-year-old signed a multi-year agreement with Queensberry Promotions through IOS Sports and Entertainment.

Vijender was appointed as Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) by previous Bhupinder Singh Hooda government in Haryana for his outstanding record in boxing at national and international level. Vijender was currently on probation and yet to complete his training.

PTI