Indian Discussion Forum

A posse of gun-wielding policemen kept a tight vigil outside while over 40 pugilists exchanged blows inside.

This was the scene at the Talkatora Indoor Stadium where Indian boxers began the final stage of their preparation for the Commonwealth Championships starting March 12.

In a session lasting over two hours, the 10 chosen boxers along with their sparring partners sweated it out at the newly-built dome-shaped arena, which will also be the main boxing venue for the Commonwealth Games this October.

Olympic and World Championship bronze medallist Vijender Singh (75kg) exercised a while before slugging it out inside the ring for an extended sparring session.

"I am maintaining weight for now. Have to be in shape.

Did some light exercises and some sparring," the world number one, in his category, said.