Boxing
Willing to contest BFI elections, says Vijender Singh
Vijender has also called for 'fresh and fair' elections in the crisis-ridden Boxing Federation of India, which is currently being managed by an ad-hoc committee.
Vijender Singh is an Olympic-medal-winning Indian boxer. (Photo credit: @boxervijender/X)
Beijing Olympics bronze medallist Vijender Singh expressed keen interest in contesting the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) elections on Wednesday.
He has called for 'fresh and fair' elections in the crisis-ridden Boxing Federation of India, which is currently being managed by an ad-hoc committee appointed by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
The IOA, on Tuesday, constituted a five-member ad hoc committee, with Madhukant Pathak as chairman, to oversee the affairs of boxing in the country after the BFI failed to hold elections on time.
"I would like to stand for the elections whenever they happen. I have fought all my life, it would be another fight for me. I have no idea whether I will find support but I am not afraid to place myself out there," Vijender told PTI.
The 39-year-old boxer, who turned professional in 2015, hasn't competed in any events since 2022.
"If there is an opportunity for me to make a change, I will give it my best, but that does not mean I am retiring as an athlete. I would never do that," he added.
In a post on his X account, the star boxer said for Indian boxers to do well, they must train abroad.
"For that, we need to conduct fresh and fair elections ASAP to build a strong federation. I will be more than happy to contribute my experience if given any responsibility by our government. @PMOIndia @mansukhmandviya," Vijender posted.
Vijender is the first and only Indian male boxer to achieve the double of winning Olympics and World Championships medals.
