Boxing Champion Manoj Kumar Announces Retirement, Set to Begin Coaching Career

Haryana’s boxing Star Manoj Kumar announce his retirement at the age of 40 marking the end of a career that began in 1997. Manoj Kumar’s career reached heights with his appearance into Olympic Games in London 2012 and Rio 2016 where he reached pre-quarterfinals. 

Boxing Journey

Manoj Kumar hails from Rajound village in Kaithal district of Haryana. Manoj is notably known for winning gold at the Commonwealth games in 2010. Manoj Kumar became national champion for the first time when he beat defending champion, Som Bahadur in 2008. After the victory, Manoj never looked back and eventually won the gold medal at Commonwealth Games in 2010 and bronze medal at Commonwealth Games in 2018.

Awards

Manoj Kumar was awarded Arjuna award by government of India in 2014. Kumar’s active competition career faced significant challenges after the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in 2018 due to injuries and selection disputes with the national federation. 

Transition to Coaching

While announcing his retirement Kumar stated his future plan to pursue Coaching and focusing on developing the next generation of boxers. Kumar has completed his coaching diploma from the National Institute of Sports, Patiala in 2021 and this qualification positions him well for his new role as a coach where he aims to shape future boxings talents. Kumar’s retirement marks the end of an era in Indian boxing, particularly for Haryana which has produced numerous boxing champions.