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Vijender ‘is back’, qualifies for Olympics

New Delhi, April 8
"I am back," said Vijender while speaking from Astana as the Bhiwani (Haryana) boxer booked a berth for London Olympics, reaching the semifinals of the Asian Olympic Qualifiers in Astana, Kazakhstan today.

Olympic medallist Vijender Singh (75kg), in the process, achieved the unique distinction of becoming the first Indian boxer to qualify for the Olympic Games for a third successive time.

The first Indian to win an Olympic and World Championships medal - bronze in both events - Vijender outpunched Chuluuntumur Tumurkhuyag of Mongolia 27-17 to not just assure himself of an Olympic berth but also a medal at the ongoing tournament.

The 26-year-old had failed in his first attempt to book a ticket for London in last year's World Championships. "I have answered all my critics," said the former world number one, who was gasping for breath after a draining encounter.