Vijender's absence may affect attendance

The controversy and disappointment over Vijender Singh's loss in the 75 kg category has dampened the mood among boxers, officials and fans here.

Organisers feel that Vijender's absence on the final day (Wednesday) may reduce the number of spectators.

The daily attendance for boxing has been extremely encouraging. Much of it was due to Vijender's charisma, which drew a large number of spectators to the Talkatora Stadium every day. His sensational first round knock out of Namibia's Elias Nashivela was a feat rarely witnessed in the boxing rings in India.

The boxers, too, benefited from the support of the crowd. If spectators do not turn up in such large numbers on the final day, the proceedings may lack the electrifying atmosphere that prevailed in the previous rounds.

The Olympic and World Championship bronze medallist was the hot favourite to win the gold at the Commonwealth Games and the fans found it hard to reconcile themselves to the fact that India's most popular boxer had lost in the semifinals.

The star boxer felt that he had been given a raw deal. “If the referee felt that I was holding my rival, then he too was doing the same to me. He too should have been penalised. I was the one who scored all the points but instead it was my rival who was declared the winner,” said an unhappy Vijender.