Lucknow, May 29: Former Commonwealth Games gold-medallist boxer Akhil Kumar has suggested that a club system like Europe needs to be set up in India to promote the sport and improve the standard of pugilists.

"To prepare good international level boxers the basic level of the game has to be raised in the country and glamour and money should be associated with it," Akhil told PTI over phone.

Akhil, who was conferred with the Arjuna award in 2005, said invitational boxing competitions at the national level should be started in the country.

"If boxing clubs are developed in the country on the lines of European countries, the situation can change rapidly," he added.

The pugilist cites lack of information regarding rules and regulations of the game as the biggest roadblock in its promotion.

"Though people love to watch boxing, more than 95 per cent are unaware of its rules and regulation. This problem can only be removed when more and more boxing competitions are organised," he said.

The, bantamweight 56kg boxer who won a bronze at this month's Arafura Games in Australia, labelled the system of international ranking as impractical, saying it only benefits boxers, who participate in maximum tournaments.

"In this system boxers, who have talent but are unable to participate in more tournaments, are left behind. The number one boxer is the one who emerges champion either in the Olympics or international competition," Akhil said.

PTI