Star boxer Vijender Singh ruled out of Asian Games

A hand injury sustained during the Commonwealth Games has forced star Indian boxer Vijender Singh out of action for an indefinite period, which includes the upcoming Asian Games where he is the defending champion.

The middleweight boxer sustained a ligament injury in his left hand during the Commonwealth Games' final in Glasgow, which he lost and settled for a silver medal.

"I thought I could do it and had been training to be ready for the trials but my hand is not holding up. The bone will take some time to settle down. There has been bleeding also so I have decided to play safe," Vijender said.

"My doctors have said that the best way to deal with this injury is to just take rest. I don't know how long it might be but hopefully it is not too long," he said.

Vijender said he would remain in Patiala for the period of his recovery.

"I will remain in Patiala because there is easy access to the doctors and physios here. I hope whoever replaces me in the squad does well and wins a medal at the Asian Games," he said.

The former World No 1 had won a gold medal in the previous edition of the Asian Games in Guangzhou, China.

The Indian male boxers won three silver medals in the recent Commonwealth Games. They had won seven medals at the Asian Games in 2010, with Vijender and Vikas Krishan (60kg) bagging the yellow metal.

However, given that they have been denied any worthwhile international exposure owing the Indian Boxing Federation's international suspension, it would be tough to replicate the brilliant show of 2010.