Boxer Vijender Singh: In yet another blow to the Congress party, just weeks ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, renowned boxer Vijender Singh has made a significant move by joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The Olympian had previously aligned himself with the Congress in 2019, marking his entry into politics. However, his journey took a turn when he contested the general elections from the South Delhi constituency, representing the Congress party. Unfortunately, he faced defeat at the hands of the BJP’s Ramesh Bidhuri.
According to sources, the Congress had strategized to nominate the 38-year-old boxer to contest against BJP MP Hema Malini, who has been re-nominated as a candidate from the Mathura seat. This tactical move was aimed at potentially denting Hema Malini’s support base. However, Vijender Singh’s decision to join the BJP is anticipated to bolster the party’s outreach, particularly within the influential Jat community, a crucial voting bloc in regions like Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh. It’s expected that the boxer will embark on an extensive campaign trail for the BJP across these two significant areas.
Mr. Singh holds the distinction of being the first Indian boxer to clinch an Olympic medal—a bronze—at the prestigious 2008 Beijing Olympics, a momentous achievement that elevated Indian boxing on the global stage. His prowess extends beyond the Olympic arena, with notable silver medal wins at the 2006 and 2014 Commonwealth Games. Additionally, he secured bronze medals at both the 2010 edition of the Games and the 2009 World Championships, further solidifying his legacy as a distinguished athlete in the realm of boxing.
Joining the BJP in the presence of party General Secretary Vinod Tawde on Wednesday, the boxer expressed in Hindi, “For me, this feels like a ghar wapsi (homecoming). I contested the elections in 2019, and it’s good to be back. The increasing respect for sportspersons both in our country and abroad is commendable. Previously, when we traveled abroad for competitions, like to the UK and Dubai, we often encountered certain challenges at airports. However, since the BJP and the Narendra Modi government assumed power, our travel experiences have notably improved, allowing us to navigate freely.”
I extend my gratitude to PM Modi and the BJP for the recognition and respect bestowed upon sportspersons under this administration. I aspire to contribute to this government, aiding people, and guiding them towards the right direction. I remain the same Vijender, unafraid to speak the truth, he further stated.
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Vijender Singh had supported wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia in their protest against BJP MP and former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh amid sexual harassment allegations last year. Following Sakshi Malik’s retirement announcement from wrestling, prompted by a close associate of the BJP MP winning the subsequent WFI elections, the boxer had condemned it as a dark day in sports history.