Olympic medallist Vijender Singh joins hands with rebel Indian boxing group

Vijender Singh of India

A rebel group from within the now-terminated Indian Amateur Boxing Federation is quickly gaining credibility, and has now found a major supporter who could be instrumental to their cause – boxing ace Vijender Singh. The Olympic and World Championships bronze-medallist has agreed to be on the athletes’ commission proposed by the faction, which is led by former Secretary General Brigadier (Retd) P.K. Muralidharan Raja.

In his statement, Vijender Singh confirmed the same.

“When I was approached by Brigadier Raja to be on the athletes commission of his faction, I readily agreed because I have full faith in this group’s ability to lead Indian boxing out of this crisis,” Vijender said.

“Indian boxing should have grown by leaps and bounds but instead, we have touched the lowest point. Somebody has to stand up and speak for the sport. I will do whatever I can by being a part of this effort to revive Indian boxing,” he added.

“I am an active athlete but I am sure I can contribute to the cause because end of the day, if we want to compete under the national flag, we the boxers also have to stand up.”

The AIBA, in its press announcement banning the IABF, categorically called for “any group of people with passion and love for our sport to submit applications for the establishment of a new National Federation”. The Raja-led contingent is hoping to cash in on this, and has reportedly received support from 23 of the 35 state units on the board of the IABF.

“The AIBA wants a clean set-up and we can provide that. Having Vijender on board shows that we are keen to provide the transparent and credible alternative that Indian boxing needs desperately,” the group’s protagonist Raja said.

The AIBA recently terminated the IABF over concerns of mismanagement and tarnishing of the sport.