The Vijender effect: Haryana may make it mandatory for athletes to play for six years

Chandigarh: In the aftermath of the furore created by Olympic-medallist boxer Vijender Singh’s decision to turn professional, the Haryana government today said it is considering making it mandatory for a sportsman, who gets government employment, to compete for at least six years.

“Making mandatory for sportsmen, who get jobs under sports quota, to play for minimum of six years is being considered in Haryana,” Haryana Sports Minister Anil Vij twitted today.

This assumes significance as Vijender had decided to turn professional thus ruling himself out of next year’s Rio Olympics.

The first Indian boxer to win an Olympic medal – the 29-year-is tying up with UK based Queensberry Promotions through IOS Sports and Entertainment.

Notably, Vijender was appointed as Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) by previous Bhupinder Singh Hooda government in Haryana for his outstanding record in boxing at the national and international level.

After Haryana Police warned of action for not seeking permission from the state government for turning professional, the country’s most celebrated boxer from Bhiwani had even met Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar in Chandigarh on 2 July.

Earlier, Haryana Police had pointed out that Vijender, being a government servant, could not accept other employment.

Haryana police had even said that Vijender could be discharged from services if he failed to get permission from the government.

Vijender was currently on probation and yet to complete his training.

PTI