Rio 2016: Indian boxers get new kits, no threat of disqualification

Threatened with disqualification for not wearing vests bearing their country's name, India's boxers at the ongoing 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro have got their kits replaced as required by the International Boxing Association (AIBA) and will now compete without any hindrance.

The AIBA officials had pointed out the "technical flaw" after Manoj Kumar's victory in his light welterweight (64kg) opening contest against Lithuania's Evaldas Petrauskas on Wednesday.

"It was pointed out to us and it has been sorted. It is a very normal issue, lot of countries face this problem of their kits not being up to it. In such instances, the organisers themselves provide the replacements," national coach Gurbax Singh Sandhu told PTI.

"Our case has also been sorted and there is no risk of disqualification. Our boys will compete as scheduled and there is no need to worry," he added.

India's boxers have been allowed to compete under the tri-colour at the Games despite the suspension imposed on the country's national federation.

So far, Vikas Krishan (75kg) and Manoj (64kg) have won their opening bouts to advance to the round of 16 in their respective weight categories.

Image: Manoj Kumar celebrates after winning his first round bout at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Photograph: Adrees Latif/Reuters