Indian Boxers Survive Disqualification After Jersey Controversy, Can Now Land Knockout Punch
Indian boxers Manoj Kumar Vikas Krishan and Shiva Thapa were in doubt for further participation at the Summer Games. A reported technical flaw saw them not wearing vests that bore their countrys name on them. All three have now got new kits and can land the knockout punch on their opponents for their country.
Reuters
After a major threat of being disqualified from competing further at the Rio Olympics 2016, Indian boxers can breathe easy. Three Indian boxers Manoj Kumar, Vikas Krishan and Shiva Thapa were in doubt for further participation at the Summer Games as a reported 'technical flaw' saw them not wearing vests that bore their country's name on them. All three have now got new kits and can land the knockout punch on their opponents for their country.
AP
After Manoj Kumar's victory in his light welterweight (64kg) opening contest against Lithuania's Evaldas Petrauskas last night, AIBA officials had pointed out the issue.
"It was pointed out to us and it has been sorted. It is a very normal issue, lot of countries face this problem of their kits not being up to it. In such instances, the organisers themselves provide the replacements," national coach Gurbax Singh Sandhu told PTI.
Reuters
"Our case has also been sorted and there is no risk of disqualification. Our boys will compete as scheduled and there is no need to worry," he added. Indian boxers have been allowed to compete under the tri-colour at the Games despite the suspension imposed on the country's national federation.
So far, Vikas Krishan (75kg) and Manoj (64kg) have won their opening bouts to enter the pre-quarters of their respective categories. Shiva plays his first bout today in the 56kg bantamweight category.
