Vijender can pursue his professional boxing dreams as Haryana govt approves his leave application

Vijender Singh’s bout with the Haryana government over chasing his professional boxing dreams is over, says a report in Hindustan Times.  The Beijing Olympics bronze medallist can go ahead with his plans with the Haryana government finally approving his leave application to train in England to compete in the professional circuit, says the report, adding that Vijender, a Deputy Superintendent in Haryana Police, had in July sought a year’s extraordinary leave (from August 2015) to train and compete. The government didn’t give its approval, which whipped up a controversy. However, it gave its approval a couple of days ago.

“The chief minister has approved the extraordinary leave of Vijender Singh and he can now train abroad and can take part in pro boxing,” a senior bureaucrat said. “His application was considered on the ground that when other sportspersons with the Haryana Police have been given permission to play in various professional leagues, he should also be allowed. In professional boxing too, if he wins, it is going to be credited to the country’s account.”

According to a report in The Indian Express, during the last hearing in the case on August 28, the High Court had made it clear that if Vijender wanted to go to London, he can go on his own. But the court cannot allow him unless the state government’s reply does not come in the case. The Haryana government had failed to present its view on the matter on the day. The case is now listed for hearing on Monday (September 7).

Vijender’s advocate Puneet Bali told The Indian Express: “Yes, he has gone to England for training. The High Court bench had told him that he can go abroad to train and we will put forward his appeal before the court on Monday.”

Confirming the government’s decision, Sanjeev Kaushal, Principal Secretary to Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, said, “The Chief Minister has permitted Vijender to proceed on leave to participate in boxing events. Rules will be redrafted by the sports department.”