Date:19/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/19/stories/2008101960212400.htm

Sport - Boxing

Vijender Singh felicitated

Principal Correspondent

— PHOTO: K. PICHUMANI

REWARDING MOMENT: Vijender Singh (second from left) is presented with a cheque for Rs. 5 lakh by M.V.M. Velmurugan, CEO, Velammal Educational Trust in the presence of former India cricketers Roger Binny (extreme left) and Syed Kirmani (extreme right) and K.P. Jain, Director-General of Police.

CHENNAI: Olympic bronze medallist Vijender Singh left the venue as soon as he arrived. Just as the star boxer was ushered in to a thunderous applause for the felicitation function organised by Velammal MHSS at its premises here on Saturday, the skies opened up making the best-laid plans of the organisers go awry.

After the rain subsided, K.P. Jain, Director-General of Police, made a quick speech lauding Vijender’s achievements.

Vijender didn’t waste much time winding up his speech in hardly 20 seconds. “Whatever you do, do to your best of your ability. Wish you all the best,” he addressed the school students.

M.V.M. Velmurugan, CEO, Velammal Educational Trust, presented Vijender with a cheque for Rs. 5 lakh.

The 22-year-old will leave for Patiala to practice. His next big assignment will be the World Cup to be held in Moscow from December 5 to 15.

Also present at the function were former cricketers Roger Binny, Syed Kirmani and former international boxer and current Indian selector V. Devarajan.