Rio-bound boxer Manoj Kumar reaches out to PM Narendra Modi – Here's why

New Delhi: Manoj Kumar became the third boxer to confirm a place at the Rio Olympics, after Shiva Thapa and Vikas Krishan, making India proud. While others would be celebrating the achievement, the Haryana born boxer is using this opportunity to make his voice heard to various stake holders of the sport.

It is a known fact that the absence of a recognized national body has hurt the sport and its players badly in run-up to the Olympics, resulting in scarcity in the availability of boxing berths as compared to London 2012.

Manoj, who made his name known after winning gold in the 64-kg category at 2010 Commonwealth Games, settled for a bronze medal in Baku after losing in the semifinals. Though, the 29-year-old is yet to return to India, he is not wasting any time in highlighting his grievances and has sought an appointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the miserable state of the sport in India.

@narendramodi @PMOIndia Sir I want to gt an appointment 2 meet U on 28th June. Want to discuss abt terrible situatn of boxing in d country.. — Boxer Manoj Kumar (@BoxerManojkr) June 24, 2016

Speaking to News18.com, he said "I have tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi asking for his time to meet."

He further added, "I want to discuss the condition of the sport of boxing in India with him. If it remains as is, how will the country groom new boxers! It’s because of this that current boxers are moving towards pro-boxing. If it continues like this, who will play for the country!"

Recalling similar circumstances which, hampered Manoj's qualification preparation ahead of the 2010 Commonwealth games, he stated, "The qualifying tournament in Baku was like the CWG for me. At that time also I was under pressure to prove myself without any monetary assistance. Had I not performed then, my career would have come to a halt. Similarly, if I hadn’t performed in the world Olympic qualifiers, my career would have come to an end," he said.

Manoj also expressed extreme gratitude towards his coach, Rajesh Kumar, who he labeled as his single source of motivation. He has been the reason why financial difficulties, disagreements with Sports Federations and other governing bodies did not disrupt his faith in himself. Now that he has once again proved his credentials, the Pugilist's addition to the TOPS scheme for monetary support is confirmed.

@narendramodi I want 2 handover a sports draft 2 imprve situation of sports in #India. We want 2 play undr try flag in #Olympic @PTIofficial — Boxer Manoj Kumar (@BoxerManojkr) June 24, 2016

To this, he had to say, "I really want to thank all the coaches and support staff at the national boxing camp, Indian fans and Sports Authority of India who are now going to include me in the TOP Scheme."