Under fire for turning pro, Olympic bronze-medalist boxer Vijender Singh on Thursday met Haryana Chief Minister Manohar lal. Though the meeting lasted for more than 20 minutes at Chief Minister’s residence here, there is no official word on what transpired in the meeting.
The ace boxer, who also holds the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in Haryana, said he had explained the situation to the Chief Minister. However, it is understood that the Chief Minister has asked the boxer to follow the rules for turning professional from amateur. Recently, Haryana police had warned of taking action against Vijender if he fails to seek permission from the State Government for turning professional.
Haryana Sports Minister Anil Vij had also said that the Government is reconsidering the decision of providing job and special incentives to Vijender. The first Indian boxer to win an Olympic medal -- the 29-year-old had signed a multi-year agreement with Queensberry Promotions through IOS Sports and Entertainment.
Vijender was appointed as Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) by the previous Bhupinder Singh Hooda Government in Haryana for his outstanding record in boxing at national and international level.
However, Vijender was currently on probation and had not yet completed his training. Hours after meeting the Chief Minister, Vijender had a brief interface with Haryana DGP YP Singhal at his office here.
Coming out of the meeting which lasted for about 10 minutes, Vijender described the matter discussed with the DGP as confidential. He however said that he is following all the rules and regulations. “I have not broken any rule or regulation,” he said.
It is believed that the boxer has sought permission for leave without pay from the Department while the DGP said that the matter is administrative in nature and police will hand over the communication given by the boxer to the State Government for further necessary action.