India's Akhil Kumar set to return to action

Akhil Kumar

After facing several setbacks due to injury, former Commonwealth Games gold medalist Akhil Kumar is set to make his eagerly anticipated return to the ring in the All India Police Games in Ranchi, Jharkhand starting today.

Akhil last boxed internationally at the 2011 World Championships and is looking at competing for India at the Asian and Commonwealth Games next year.

“I have been working extremely hard to get back into shape and I will be participating in the All India Police Championship in Ranchi. It is a good tournament to go out and get a feel of things once again for me,” Akhil said.

“I have been frustrated with injuries over the past couple of years, but now, I feel with the right exposure and in time, I will be back at the top of my game very soon,” he added.

Akhil also added that he is looking at taking part in the World Series of Boxing and AIBA Professional Boxing circuits if the opportunity were to present itself.

“It has been hard. Sitting out and not being able to do what I love the most. I feel the way forward for boxing will be decided by WSB and APB and I would love to be a part of the action there as well. In a few months, and with my eyes fixed firmly on the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games next year, I am confident that I will be back at peak fitness,” he said.

Akhil is a Deputy Superintendent of Police in Haryana and hence will be involved in the All India Police Games in Ranchi.

“I want to thank of course Haryana Police for their relentless support at all times. Also, I want to thank the Sports Authority of India for all their support throughout as well as the NIS, Patiala faculty for their help at all times,” he said.

“And the contribution of chief National coach GS Sandhu, Jaidev Bisht, weightlifting coach Amrik Singh and badminton coach Bhupinder has been monumental in keeping up the positive vibe around me at all the tough times. In fact Jaidev Bisht, who is a Dronacharya awardee, will be accompanying me to the tournament, and I couldn’t thank him enough for all his help,” he added.