Boxing: The next big thing?

Boxing has suddenly aroused the interest of a lot of people in India.

Looks like the success of the country’s boxers like Vijender Singh, Akhil Kumar and others at the Olympics and other international sporting events has provided the necessary fillip to the sport.

First, Fight Nights — a Western concept where the best boxers of the world battle it out in the ring — made its debut in India and got an overwhelming response.  Then, sources say, a movie is being planned on the life of Vijender Singh. Now, a reality show called Contenders featuring boxers is being made.

Jewellery designer Queenie Singh feels India is awakening to the concept of sports as a medium of entertainment and also an alternate option to partying. “In the West, any sport is much more than just a game. Talk about boxing or sumo wrestling and/or any other sport, people bond with family and friends and have a great time while watching the game. I think that is what is happening in India right now. Like in cricket nowadays you have fashion shows and after-parties,” she says.

Actor Neha Dhupia, who has been to one of the Fight Nights, says, “Most people don’t know how interesting boxing can get as a sport. With India doing well in the boxing scenario, Fight Nights has become a very interesting concept and the thought of having an exhibition fight is very exciting. This will do a lot more for the promotion of the sport in India.”

Shailendra Singh, whose company brought the concepts Fight Night and Contenders to India, says, “With the boxers making India proud, more people are developing an interest in the game. India has been all about cricket — it is like a religion to us but it is high time we promote other sports too.”

Boxer Vijender ends saying, “When we started boxing, there was no spotlight or appreciation when we did well. But slowly things have started to change. It is great that after we won the medals, boxers have come into the limelight. Now, they can host TV shows, they are being approached for films and are also show-stopping at many fashion weeks. I can also see more people wanting to become boxers in future.”