Peace at border vital for Vijender

In a great gesture, Vijender Singh has offered to return his WBO Oriental Super Middleweight title to Chinese Zulpikar Maimai­tiali in lieu of peace at the Indo-China border.

Vijender, a double champion in pro boxing, has urged India and China to maintain peace at the border. The 31-year-old Olympic bronze medallist grew in stature Saturday night by not just edging Maimaitiali in a close bout to annex the dual WBO Asia Pacific Super Middleweight and WBO Oriental Super Middleweight title, but by also urging for peace.

“To India-China friendship (I dedicate my title), because tension on the border is not good, because I see on social media, news, it keeps getting on and on and that’s not good. I give this title to people, peace, it’s all about friendship, Hindi-Chini bhai bhai,” Vijender said during a media interaction.

The bonhomie between the two boxers was evident as Zulpikar hugged Vijender and made him wear his cap. Vijender also reciprocated the gesture by offering his belt to the Chinese boxer. “The fight was really good, I didn’t expect (it will go all the way),” Vijender said.