It’s a race against time for boxers awaiting pro nod

OVER A MONTH after they sought permission from the Haryana government to turn professional boxers, Commonwealth Games medallists Akhil Kumar and Jitender Kumar, who are currently serving as Deputy Superintendents of Police, are still awaiting the official nod. If the permission doesn’t come in time, both the boxers may have to skip their scheduled debut pro bouts in New Delhi next Saturday.

Following in the footsteps of their statemate and Olympic bronze medallist Vijender Singh, who had turned pro last year while managing to keep his DSP job, Akhil and Jitender had submitted their applications on November 7. The duo had met Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Sports Minister Anil Vij as well as Director General of Police KP Singh and requested an exemption. When contacted, Vij said that the requisite permission was to be given by the home department. The Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Ram Niwas, meanwhile, said the matter was “under consideration”.

Akhil, Jitender and Vijender were inducted as DSPS in the Haryana police in 2008 following their stellar show at the Beijing Olympics. Both Akhil and Jitender had made the quarters while Vijender had gone a step ahead and bagged the bronze medal. Akhil, who is currently with the 1st Battalion, had also won gold at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games in 2006 Akhil (in pic) and Jitender are scheduled to make their pro debut next week. while Jitender, who is posted as DSP CID, took bronze in the same edition.

Akhil and Jitender were to sign up with Infinity Optimal Solutions, professional boxing promoters. The company is also managing Vijender. In fact, the duo’s debuts are on the unofficial undercard of Vijender’s WBO Asia Pacific title defence against Francis Cheka at the Thyagraj Stadium on December 17. However, the delay in obtaining permission means they are yet to enter any formal contract with the promoters.

Last year, the state government had similarly dithered on givingvijenderpermissionbefore eventually agreeing to allow him to take up professional boxing.

At that time, the then principal secretary to Khattar, Sanjeev Kaushal, had said: “The Chief Minister has permitted Vijender to proceed on leave to participate in boxing events. Rules will be redrafted by the sports department.”