Indian boxer still chasing prize

Indian boxer Akhil Kumar has qualified for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, but still finds himself on the ropes as he tries to get his hands on a million rupees the government owes him for winning Commonwealth gold in 2006.

"Beating people inside the ring seems easy when compared to fighting this set-up," Kumar said.

"I don't know why my dues have not been cleared even though some others have got their money," he said. "It hurts, but I guess I can't do much other than keep waiting."

The 27-year-old boxer says the government owes him a million Indian rupees ($25,350) it promised him for the win at the Melbourne games.

Other athletes have complained of such delays by the government in paying up promised incentives for international successes.

Bantamweight Kumar won the Asian 2008 Olympic qualifying event in Thailand last week by beating home favourite and Athens Olympics silver medallist Worapoj Petchkoom in the final.