Vijender Singh Bets on Women Boxers for Paris Olympic Glory

India’s Olympic medal hopeful, Vijender Singh, emphasizes the potential of the women’s boxing squad led by Nikhat Zareen at the Paris Games. He discusses the mental challenges of boxing and his aspiration to become the Boxing Federation of India president to contribute to the sport's growth.

India's boxing medal hopes at the Paris Games will largely depend on the performance of its women pugilists, says the country's lone Olympic medal-winning male boxer Vijender Singh. He expects the Nikhat Zareen-led squad to secure at least two podium finishes.

Zareen (50kg), Preeti Pawar (54kg), Jaismine Lamboria (57kg), and Tokyo bronze-winner Lovlina Borgohain (75kg) form the Indian women's squad, while Amit Panghal (51kg) and debutant Nishant Dev (71kg) are the male boxers who have qualified for Paris.

In a candid interview, the 38-year-old Vijender, who won a bronze in the 2008 Beijing Games, expressed confidence in the women boxers. "Whatever I have read about women boxers has been encouraging. The girls will do well, I hope we get one or two medals," said Vijender, who is also a BJP leader.

Besides Vijender, only two other Indian boxers — MC Mary Kom (London 2012) and Borgohain (Tokyo 2021) — have clinched bronze medals at the Olympics, but none from the country has reached the final to vie for gold.

Vijender also shared insights into the mental rigors of the sport, describing boxing as a "lonely sport" that requires immense self-belief and mental conditioning to succeed. He further expressed his interest in running for the Boxing Federation of India president's post, stressing his desire to help the next generation of Indian boxers.

(With inputs from agencies.)