Singh no longer the king of the ring

Fri, May 13 2011

Vijender Singh has had to bury his hopes of winning his first international gold medal after losing a Men’s Light Heavy weight semi-final at the Arafura Games in Darwin to New Zealander Sam Rapira.

Over three rounds the Beijing Olympic bronze medalist landed some serious punches and had his opponent on the canvas twice, while fellow team members and fans cheered ringside for India’s superstar.

But it was Rapira who won 17-16 in the points decision.

“It happens sometimes,” Singh said after the fight.

“But it’s okay – I will win again.”

The 25-year-old said he enjoyed being in the ring, supported by his team and friends.

“They all cheered and celebrated, it was great.

“And I am a winner anyway.”

Singh’s coach, Jagdip Hooda, was clearly disappointed to see the second of his superstars lose a bout at the 2011 Arafura Games semi-finals tonight, after Kumar Akhil lost against Victoria’s Ibrahim Mitat Balla earlier.

“There’s nothing we can do,” he said.

“They’ve given their best and they’ve fought hard.”

Hooda said although he was not happy about Singh’s loss, he was “not sad”.

“It’s okay. We all know he can win.

“I believe his head wasn’t clear, that’s why he lost.”

Singh will be taking his first international bronze medal in the Men’s Light Heavy home, when he leaves for India on Sunday morning.

Sam Rapira will be taking on Queensland’s Damien Hooper tomorrow night in the bout for gold.

More information Arafura Games Media Centre +61 08 8982 2333