Vijender Singh Could Lose State Benefits After Turning Professional

Vijender Singh's decision to turn professional has not gone too well with the Haryana sports ministry. A day after the star boxer announced his new career move, the state's sports minister reportedly said that the government should contemplate some form of action.

Vijender, a deputy superintendent in Haryana Police, signed a multi-year agreement with Queensberry Promotions in London on Monday. This means that the 2008 Beijing Olympics bronze medallist will not participate in next year's Rio Olympics or compete for the nation for the duration of his deal.

While Vijender told NDTV in an exclusive chat that it was a decision in the right direction, Haryana sports minister Anil Vij is not too pleased.

It is learnt that Vij's grievance may be arising from the fact that Vijender was given a post in Haryana Police Department based on his successes at the international stage. The boxer was also reportedly extended several benefits by the state government so that he could train harder and compete at the national and international level.

The opposition, however, in the Haryana Assembly though has come out in defence of Vijender and reportedly said that the boxer was not 'respected enough.' The Congress party alleged that the state government has failed to deliver promised rewards for successes which has, in turn, left many demoralized.

(With inputs from Ankur Kapoor)