"We had to ultimately send them abroad because as per the SOP here, they couldn't even spar with each other because of the health safety protocols and we can't question that, the cases were simply too high.
"Now you would say it was same for others too, fair enough but we had a very, very deadly second wave too. The boxers and coaches tested positive as well. So it is not black and white.
"Criticism is welcome but let's not crucify people. I am going to back this bunch because even when they win, they are taking a hit on their faces and bodies."
The boxers who came to Tokyo after suffering bouts of COVID-19 were Manish Kaushik (63kg), Ashish Chaudhary (75kg), Simranjit Kaur (60kg) and Satish.
Lovlina Borgohain, who has assured India of their second medal at the Games after reaching the welterweight semifinal, too had tested positive for the virus but that was last year.
Chief national men's coach C A Kuttappa and women's head coach Mohammed Ali Qamar were among those who battled the virus in the support staff unit.
On Saturday, when Pooja Rani lost to former world champion Li Qian, Singh had rushed to give her a hug as she sobbed and he asserted that he truly believes in each every boxer.
"I am going to support them, there is no question on that," Singh said.
And this support, he said, will also extend to the current coaching staff.
"We have a world championship in three-four months time," he pointed out.
Singh said the focus for him after the Games would be to ensure better mental support to the boxers.
"What I am seeing is that there is talent but we need to be mentally stronger. Olympics is a huge stage. We do have a full-time psychologist with the team but we will try to assess what more can be done. It is a brutal and lonely sport, our job is to ensure support," he said.
"Last four years have been spectacular, yes this could have gone a lot better but we have certainly reached a level. Of course, there is a long way to go for us to achieve more, we will get there," he added.