September 1 - Wrestler Sushil Kumar, the Olympic bronze medallist, and Mary Kom (pictured), the women's world boxing champion, have signed with IOS Sports, an Indian sports management company, to help them cash in on their popularity in the build-up to London 2012.

Infinity Optimal Solutions (IOS) are already associated with boxer Vijender Singh, who won an Olympic bronze medal at Beijing last year.

All three were presented last week with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award, the country's highest sports honour, from Indian President Pratibha Patil.

Under the agreement, the company will coordinate both the athletes endosrsements, media activities and brand management in the build-up to London 2012.

Kumar said: "I am happy to be associated with a professional sports group.

"Now I can completely focus towards my sports as there are experts to handle all my activities outside the ring."

Kom, the four-time world champion, is expected to have a particularly high-profile in the build-up to London 2012 when women's boxing will make its Olympic debut.

Last week she signed an agreement with Olympic Gold Quest, a foundation dedicated to helping India's athletes, to help her with her preprations.
 
Kom said: "It's a great feeling to sign up with two groups in the same week.

"Gold Quest is a trust which is supporting athletes for training and IOS would be looking after my commercial interest.
 
"I feel both these associations will help realise my dream of an Olympic Gold medal in 2012."


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