Living a life of obscurity for over three decades, 1982 Asian Games gold-medallist Kaur Singh is set to revive his bond with boxing by becoming a talent scout for professional boxers.
The 68-year-old, who won a gold medal at the Delhi Asian Games, has been away from the limelight living in his native village in Sangroor, Punjab.
He was recently approached by the Professional Boxing Organisation of India (PBOI) to become a "selector", which would essentially require him to recommend young talent for the body.
"I still love boxing and when I was approached by PBOI, I couldn't say no. I shall try my best to give good feedback on young talent," Singh told PTI.
Besides his Asiad gold, former heavyweight boxer is also remembered quite vividly for taking on the legendary Muhammad Ali in a show bout here back in 1980 here.
A retired Army man, Kaur, apart from being an Arjuna awardee, is also a recepient of the Vishisht Sewa Medal (VSM) and was part of the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war.
Ironically, he never received the Rs one lakh award promised to him by the Punjab government afer his Asiad triumph. He has given up hope on ever getting that reward.
"Nobody gave me anything," he said rather bitterly when asked about the promised prize money which was not paid by successive governments.
But one institution he continues to be fond of is the Indian Army.
"They paid for my treatment last year when I had to undergo a heart surgery. Everything I have got so far has been given by the Army," he said.
Asked if he is physically up for it to take on the strenuous job of a talent scout, Singh said, "It is never hard to do something you love. Even at this age, I can spot talent."
WBC Asia Pacific welterweight champion Neeraj Goyat, who is licensed by PBOI, says Singh will travel to camps and offer feedback.
"I met him in Sangroor and he is in good health now. He will travel as well to check out boxers," he said.
PBOI, which is affiliated to the World Boxing Council, is aligned with IOS Boxing Promotions -- the promoters of superstar Vijender Singh.
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