Since winning the bronze medal in the middleweight category, Vijender Singh has walked the ramp, appeared at promotional events and rubbed shoulders with Bollywood starlets. While the Indian contingent went to Moscow for the World Cup, Vijender was nursing a back injury.
Pugilists Jitender Kumar, Akhil Kumar, AL Lakra and Dinesh Kumar returned with bronze medals from Russia. Vijender, in Bangalore for a promotional event, said that he is now dying to get back into the ring.
“You will see me in the boxing ring more often than you see me at events, fashion shows or parties,” Vijender said. “I am going to make a comeback at the National Games next month in Ranchi.”
Vijender, who won the bronze at the Beijing Olympics, believes that the time has come for him to drown out all the hullabaloos attached to his achievements and get back to business.
“If it wasn’t for this injury I would have been back in action by now. I have been keeping myself fit. Boxing is my life.” Vijender was quick to dismiss rumours that he was considering ditching the gloves to don greasepaint.
“I like modeling but nothing is more important than boxing for me. It is a sport that has given me so much and I want to continue representing the country. I am confident of becoming one of the best in the world,” Vijender added.
On Tuesday, he joined the camp at Patiala where up to 45 boxers are being trained with an eye on the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
“I am aware that there will be a lot of expectations from me. But I am confident that I will perform at my best. It was not easy to stay away from competitive boxing but I hope to do well at the National Games and then take it step by step from there on. All our boxers have done India proud at the World Championships. It’s great that Indian boxing is looking up.”
