Yet Another Blow To Congress As Boxer Vijender Singh Joins BJP

In yet another blow to the Congress, boxer Vijender Singh has joined the BJP. India's first Olympic medallist in boxing had forayed into politics in 2019 by joining Congress.

Talking about joining the BJP, he said, "I have joined the BJP today for the development of the country and to serve the people,"

He expressed his commitment to enhancing support for athletes and sportspeople alongside the BJP. Earlier in 2023, the former boxer turned politician had backed protesting wrestlers who accused Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chairman Brij Bhushan Saran Singh of sexual harassment.

Having switched from the Congress, he contested the 2019 Lok Sabha elections representing the grand old party in the South Delhi constituency, against BJP's Ramesh Bidhuri and Aam Aadmi Party's Raghav Chadha. Also, he had taken part in the 2020 farmers' protest against the central government's three farm laws.

Singh hails from the Jat community, known for its significant political sway across numerous constituencies in his home state of Haryana, as well as in western Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.

Vijender bagged a silver medal in his debut sub-junior nationals back in 1997, progressing to secure his inaugural gold at the 2000 Nationals.

Notably, Vijender Singh made history by claiming a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, marking India's first boxing Olympic medal. His accolades extend to bronze finishes at the 2009 World Championships and the 2010 Commonwealth Games, along with silver achievements at the 2006 and 2014 Commonwealth Games, all within the middleweight category.

Transitioning to the professional circuit in June 2015, Vijender Singh inked a multi-year pact with Queensberry Promotions under IOS Sports and Entertainment. This move effectively sidelined him from contention for the 2016 Olympics, where he would have pursued his fourth Olympic appearance.