"I feel India's mission for the Rio Olympics has lost a good prospect. He's an extraordinary boxer who has survived for three Olympics which speaks volumes of his fitness," said Kowli, who is in the world body AIBA-nominated ad-hoc committee headed by Kishen Narsi to oversee boxing in India.
Professionals cannot compete in the Olympics as per AIBA's regulations and Vijender, who announced his decision in London to join the pro ranks today, will thus be ineligible to take part in next year's Rio Games.
"This reaction is based on the limited information that we are learning from the news. I know nothing about his contract details," he explained.
"At the same time it feels sad. I was expecting him to qualify for Olympics, looking at his fitness and intelligence as a boxer. Surviving in boxing in three Olympics is a great achievement in itself. Even at London, reaching the quarter finals was not easy.
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winner) Mary Kom have repeatedly proved their critics wrong. Every time people would say that they are finished they will come back with something," said Kowli.
Vijender's decision has left a hole in Indian boxing, said Kowli, adding there were other talents in the country too.
"Of course we have a lot of talent in India but yes, it will certainly create a void for some time. Other hungry, starry eyed boxers can look for this slot. But getting into pro boxing is not easy even for established amateur boxers who have to reach Vijender's heights.