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Vijender returns to ring in European Grand Prix event
More than eight months after he won India its first Olympic medal in boxing, middle weight pugilist Vijender Singh is aware that he would be watched when he returns to the ring in a European Grand Prix event in Czech Republic from May 13 to 18.
More than eight months after he won India its first Olympic medal in boxing, middle weight pugilist Vijender Singh is aware that he would be watched when he returns to the ring in a European Grand Prix event in Usti Na Labe, Czech Republic from May 13 to 18.
The 23-year-old bronze medallist from Beijing Olympics would be up against top boxers from Europe and Cuba in the event, which is part of the European boxing calendar.
"I have trained for one-and-half months in Patiala. I am not carrying any injuries and feeling fresh. The nagging pain in my back has also subsided and I am confident of doing well," said Vijender, who along with five others leaves for the tournament tonight.
"And yes, I am aware that I will be watched," he added.
The other five boxers in the Indian team are Suranjoy Singh (51kg), former national champion P Narjeet Singh (54kg), Jai Bhagwan (60kg) and reigning light welter weight national champion Manoj Kumar.
C Kuttappa, the man Vijender has credited for grooming him before the Olympics, will be accompanying the team as coach.
Vijender said he is well aware of the expectations from him post-Olympics.
