Vijender, the glamboy of Indian boxing

His drop-dead looks and chiselled jaws could give country`s Bollywood stars and models a run for their money. But what Vijender Kumar knows best is to punch his opponents in the boxing ring as he showed in Beijing Wednesday becoming the first Indian pugilist to reach the Olympic semifinal.

The strapping 23-year-old Vijender is part of Bhiwani`s boxing brigade, three of whom have done the country proud by making it to the quarterfinals of the Olympics. Vijender, though, made sure of at least a bronze medal after the disappointing loss of his stable-mates Akhil Kumar and Jitender Kumar.

Image: India`s Vijender Kumar gives thanks after defeating Ecuador`s Carlos Gongora during their 2008 Olympic Games Middleweight (75 kg) quarterfinal boxing bout on August 20, 2008 in Beijing.

Images: AFP (Any unauthorised reproduction is prohibited)

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