Vijender Singh’s Olympic hopes rest in Vikas Krishan’s hands

BySaketh RVK, SportsCafe Editor

06/05/2016

Days after AIBA allowed professional boxers in Olympics, Vijender Singh has decided to take a shot at Olympic qualification by participating in the qualifiers to be held in Venezuela. But he would stand a chance only if Vikas Krishan fails to qualify through the qualifier in Baku.

In an attempt to qualify for the Olympics in the 75kg category, Vijender Singh will take part in the qualifiers to be held in Venezuela, conducted especially for pro boxers, next month. Talking to the DNA, the 2008 Olympics bronze medallist expressed his eagerness to qualify for the quadrennial event.

"I am ready to even pay from my own pocket," the 30-year-old said

His WBO Asia title bout in Delhi is scheduled to be held at New Delhi on July 16, and with the Venezuela qualifiers likely to happen in the first week of July, Vijender will now discuss with his promoters about the possiblity of competing in the event.

"I will definitely try and participate in the Venezuela tournament. Representing Indian in the Olympics is a dream. What I have learnt that the Venezuela qualifiers and Asian Title Bout are not clashing. So, I can give it a shot. But, we will discuss the issue after the Baku qualifiers and how Indians have fared in that,” he told DNA.

Vijender’s hopes of qualifying will depend on Vikas Krishan’s performance in the qualifiers in Baku, Azerbaijan from June 16 to 25. If Krishan fails to qualify for the Olympics, it will open a door for the former Olympics bronze medallist.

Shiva Thapa is India’s sole boxer to have qualified for Rio so far and with Vijender in scintillating form (6-0) as a professional, Indian fans would want to see him qualify for the Olympics.

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