Olympian Venkatesan Devarajan supports Muralidharan Raja for Indian boxing chief post

Venkatesan Devarajan

Since the termination of the IABF by the AIBA, reports have emerged that Brig (Retd) P.K. Muralidharan Raja has set up a rebel boxing group in India in response to the AIBA’s call for boxing lovers in the country to come forward and set up a new national federation. And now, he has received support for his efforts from Venkatesan Devarajan, a World Championship bronze medallist and former Olympian.

Devarajan posted a long, seemingly heartfelt message on his Facebook timeline urging boxing lovers in India to join the chorus of voices calling for the appointment of Brig Raja as the president of the new boxing federation in place of the now-terminated IABF. Devarajan called Raja “the ideal person to lead Indian boxing and become its president”. Venkatesan also highlighted Raja’s role in getting sponsorships for Indian boxers, and praised his “hard work and sincere service to Indian boxing”.

Devarajan won the bronze medal at the 1994 World Boxing Championship in Bangkok, and represented India at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. He was conferred the Arjuna award by the Indian government in 1995. Today, the 40-year-old is involved in various coaching engagements.

Here is the full text of Devarajan’s message:

Post by Devarajan Venkatesan.