Vijender Singh : I hope the new federation can revive boxing in India

The only male boxer from India to have won a medal at the Olympics, Vijender Singh turned a professional last year. The bronze medalist of Beijing 2008 Olympics met the sports minister and discussed the future of Indian boxing and how to develop the infrastructure for the sport.

He hopes the upcoming election, which is set to be held on the 25 September, could herald a new era in the Indian boxing, which has been suffering administrative wrangling for past few years.

He said, “Let's hope for the best, I am keeping my fingers crossed. I hope the new federation can revive the sport,” reported PTI.

Speaking about the suggestions that he has given to the minister, Vijender said, “I told him facilities like NIS Patiala should be extended to other places too. There should be good infrastructure all around to support the boxers."

He also added, “There are lots of other suggestions which I gave and hopefully something would be done. The minister seemed very receptive and it is wonderful of him to have written to all Rio athletes to seek their suggestions as well.”

The 30-year old Haryana boxer, who has been unbeaten so far in the professional ring, had become the first male boxer to win a medal at Beijing Olympics in 2008.