Vijender Singh Bets on India's Women Boxers for Paris Olympic Glory

India's future in the 2024 Paris Olympics boxing event hangs significantly on the performance of its women pugilists, says Vijender Singh, the country's first Olympic medal-winning male boxer. Singh, who foresees at least two podium finishes, highlights the disparity in male and female boxers' current standing and expresses his desire to contribute as a sports administrator.

India's prospects of securing boxing medals at the 2024 Paris Games will heavily rely on the performance of its female pugilists, according to Vijender Singh, the country's sole Olympic medal-winning male boxer.

Singh, who clinched a bronze at the 2008 Beijing Games, is optimistic about the Nikhat Zareen-led squad, expecting at least two podium finishes. The Indian women's boxing team consists of Zareen (50kg), Preeti Pawar (54kg), Jaismine Lamboria (57kg), and Tokyo bronze-winner Lovlina Borgohain (75kg).

Conversely, the men's contenders, Amit Panghal (51kg) and Nishant Dev (71kg), have shown less promise. Singh noted the significant drop in the number of male qualifiers, from a record seven in 2012 to just two for the upcoming Games. Singh also revealed his interest in running for the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) presidency, aiming to infuse his experience and passion for nurturing future boxing talents.

(With inputs from agencies.)