Vijender to start training next month

Top Indian boxer Vijender Singh on Thursday said he would start training next month as he has almost recovered from the hand injury suffered during the Asian Games and his main target next year would be to qualify for the London Olympics with a good show in the World Championships.

"There is still a bit of pain while going for a fight. But I think it will be alright soon and I am starting training in January," said Vijender, who was adjudged the 'Most Valuable Performer' of the Asian Games by team sponsors Samsung.

"I am looking forward to the World Championships to qualify for the 2012 London Olympics. This month, we are just relaxing after a hectic season. Now my focus will be on the World Championships and then of course the Olympics," said Vijender, who won a gold in the 75kg category, on the sidelines of the felicitation function in New Delhi.

Vijender expressed happiness that a lot of boxers have brought laurels for the country in the past few years and the profile of the sport has risen.

"Earlier, we used to get very few medals. Now lots of boxers are doing well in the international arena. It is really good for the country and for the profile of boxing," he said.

Asked during the felicitation programme when he is going to get married, Vijender, in a lighter vein, said, "My parents will decide. I will let you know, it can be very soon."

Another Asian Games gold medallists Vikas Krishan (60kg), silver winners V Santosh Kumar (64kg), Dinesh Kumar (81kg), Manpreet Singh (91kg) and bronze winners Suranjoy Singh (52kg) and Paramjeet Samota (+91kg) were also present at the felicitation.

M C Mary Kom (women's 48-51kg) and Kavita Goyat (69-75kg), both of whom won bronze medals in the Asian Games, did not turn up for the function.