Jones Vel passes away |18 September 2008

Silver medallist in the 60-kg category at the Fourth Indian Ocean Island Games Seychelles hosted in 1993, Vel died on Monday September 15 at the age of 36.

Vel was the first Seychellois finalist to go in action on the night of Saturday August 28 inside the Palais des Sports, turned into a boxing arena.

Vel bombarded French champion Thierry Ballard of Reunion in the first round and, much to the delight of the big crowd, he forced an eight count on his opponent whom he had floored in the opening minute of the second round.

Ballard made his experience tell against inexperienced Vel, 20 at the time, who was brave enough to remain on his feet as the rugged Reunionnais fighter came back stronger to neatly finish off his exhausted opponent.

On the night when no fewer than three Mauritian finalists inexplicably failed to step into the ring, Seychelles won 10 medals – five golds, three silvers and two bronzes.

Other than the IOIG, Vel represented Seychelles in many international competitions.

G. G.