Vijender to debut in 81kg category at 2013 World C'ship

The London Olympics disappointment behind him, Indian boxing star Vijender Singh is all set to pack a heavier punch from next year when he goes up a division to light heavyweight (81kg) for the World Championships.

"There is nothing much this year. I will be participating in the World championship in the 81kg category," Vijender, who lost in the quarter-finals of the London Games, said.

The strapping six-footer had a hugely successful stint in the 75kg division, bagging his and the country's first Olympic and World Championships boxing medal (a bronze in both events) in the category.

The 26-year-old, in fact, went on to become the World No 1 in the 75kg category after the World Championships medal in 2009.

Meanwhile, the Haryana lad will give the Nationals a miss for the fifth year running, but will be present on the sidelines of the tournament, scheduled in Hyderabad from October 30 to November 4, to catch the action live.

"No, I am not participating in the Nationals. though I will certainly be going to watch bouts. I will be going there for the opening ceremony," he said.