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Boxing

BJP using Indian Army to take credit: Boxer-turned-politician Vijender Singh

BJP using Indian Army to take credit: Boxer-turned-politician Vijender Singh
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By

Sudip Pakrashi

Published: 25 April 2019 4:04 AM GMT

For last one week his days are starting at 5 AM in the morning. He is leaving for campaigning in his constituency - South Delhi. The constituency will go for the parliamentary elections on 12th of May. Campaigning and meeting his party workers takes almost his whole day. After repeated efforts, Vijender Singh who began his third innings on behalf of Congress, was finally available for a quick chat over phone. Despite his extremely busy schedule, the first Indian boxer to have won a medal in the Olympics and the first Indian boxer to have been unbeaten in his professional boxing journey so far, spoke to The Bridge.


Q: What prompted you to join politics?

Vijender: Some people are using Indian Army’s sacrifice to take credit. Some people (BJP) have continuously offered fake promises for last five years. The employment in the country is in dwindling state. There is no justice for the distressed common people. All this injustice has been an insult for my family, for the whole countrymen, and for the future generation. So I felt if I could contribute something, starting at least from my constituency.

Q: How do you want to contribute? Do you have any specific issues to address?

Vijender: Yes, if I win my first priority will be to look after the safety of women and children in this constituency. In recent years, most of the dreadful incidents, from rapes to child abduction took place in this constituency. Secondly I will be concentrating on poor water supply system. Apart from this, there are a few more issues like illegal constructions and unemployment.

Vijender Singh has started campaigning at the ground level in his constituency. (Photo: Vijender Singh/Twitter)

Q: How will you make solution of unemployment in your constituency? It is not that easy.

Vijender: I know it. That is why I will try to solve it in my constituency through sports. I have plans to construct a sports hub in South Delhi. If it can be made then a lot of people from this constituency will be getting job here. I will also construct a modern boxing school here if I can win. Also, I have plans to organize professional boxing events in this constituency which will help the youth get involved in event management programmes and earn some money.

Q: Manny Pacquiao, the famous Philippines boxer is serving as senator of his country. Are you taking that route?

Vijender: Yes, I have been greatly inspired by Pacquiao. I was training for last one month in USA under legendary coach Paddy Roche. He also trained Pacquiao. I had known a lot about Pacquiao’s activities and social services from Paddy. Even during my training days there, I had decided I would also follow Pacquiao if I get an opportunity one day.

Q: Then you are off from boxing now. How long?

Vijender: It is sure that I will be off from training till 23rd of May, the result day. But after that I will again be back to training.

Q: Will you go back to USA? Or you will be training in Manchester?

Vijender: Right now it is difficult to comment on that. But high chances are there, to go to USA and train under Paddy again.
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