Akhil, Jitender seek Haryana Police nod for comeback

Akhil Kumar and Jitender Kumar, both of whom are serving DSPs, met Haryana Police DGP KP Singh to seek permission for their professional plunge.

A file photo of boxers Jitender Kumar (L) and Akhil Kumar during an interview to the Sportstar in New Delhi.

Gearing up for a comeback into the ring, former Commonwealth Games medal-winning Indian boxers Akhil Kumar and Jitender Kumar have formally sought their employer Haryana Police’s permission to sign up in the professional boxing arena.

Akhil and Jitender, both of whom are serving DSPs, met Haryana Police DGP KP Singh to seek permission for their professional plunge.

“We met Mr Singh at his office and formally submitted our request. He has forwarded it to the higher authorities. Haryana Police has a long record of supporting and encouraging sportspersons. We are hopeful that a similar view would be taken in our case as well,” said Akhil, a former Commonwealth Games gold-medallist.

Akhil and Jitender have signed up with professional boxing promoters Infinity Optimal Solutions (IOS), the company which also manages Olympic bronze-medallist Vijender Singh. Incidentally, Vijender is also a serving DSP with the Haryana Police.

Both Akhil and Jitender are expected to make their professional debuts next month.

While Akhil has not been seen in action since the 2014 Asian Games, Jitender, a former Commonwealth Games bronze-medallist, has been away from the ring since 2011. Both the boxers had created quite a flutter in the 2008 Beijing Olympics by beating superior opponents before losing in the quarterfinals.