Vijender Singh qualifies for London Olympic games for third successive time

Astana, Apr 8(ANI): Vijender Singh has qualified for the London Olympic games after reaching the semifinals of the Asian Olympic Qualifiers in Astana, Kazakhstan on Sunday. He has become the first Indian boxer to qualify for Olympics for three successive time.

The former World number one, Vijender beat Chuluuntumur Tumurkhuyag of Mongolia 27-17 ensure an Olympic berth, and a medal at the ongoing tournament

After winning the match an excited Vijender said, 'I am back' while speaking for the first time to the media.

Vijender had won gold at the Asian Qualifiers before the 2008 Beijing Games, which co-incidentally were also held in Kazakhstan.

"I have answered all my critics, who said that I was finished (after losing in the first round of World Championships)," Vijender said.

"I will now give it my all in the Olympics and prove that I am the best. It's such a relief to have got qualified. The fact that I am the first Indian boxer to have qualified for a third successive Olympics makes it all the more special," he added. (ANI)