Vijender Singh

Born on October 29, 1985, in Kaluwas, a village near Bhiwani, Haryana, Vijender Singh emerged from humble beginnings, born to Mahipal Singh Beniwal and Krishna Devi, with his father toiling as a bus driver at Haryana Roadways. Belonging to a Jat community, he grew up alongside his elder brother, Manoj, in a household marked by financial constraints.

From an early age, Singh displayed a passion for boxing, influenced by his brother's interest in the sport. His journey in boxing began earnestly when he joined the renowned Bhiwani Boxing Club. In 1997, he clinched a silver medal at a national-level sub-junior tournament, foreshadowing the brilliance to come. Three years later, he secured gold at the Nationals, signalling his rising prowess in the ring.

The pivotal year of 2003 marked a turning point in Singh's career as he claimed the title of all-India youth boxing champion. Subsequently, he garnered attention by clinching the gold medal at the Afro-Asian Games in Hyderabad. Despite a setback at the Athens Olympics in 2004, Singh's determination remained unwavering.

Singh's international breakthrough arrived at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where he made history as the first Indian boxer to secure an Olympic medal, a bronze in the middleweight category. His stellar performance continued with a bronze at the World Amateur Boxing Championships, solidifying his status as a force to be reckoned with in the boxing world.

In 2010, Singh showcased his dominance by clinching gold at the Commonwealth Boxing Championship in New Delhi. However, controversy marred his journey at the Commonwealth Games the same year, as he settled for bronze amid disputed officiating. Undeterred, he reclaimed gold at the Asian Games, further cementing his legacy in the sport.

The pursuit of excellence led Singh to the 2012 London Olympics and the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where he showcased his resilience despite falling short of securing medals. Beyond the boxing arena, Singh ventured into acting with a role in the Hindi film 'Fugly' in 2014.

In June 2015, Singh transitioned to the realm of professional boxing, marking a new chapter in his illustrious career. With a flawless record of knockout victories, he swiftly made his mark in the professional circuit.

In the realm of politics, Singh ventured into the arena by joining the Indian National Congress in 2019, contesting the general elections from the South Delhi constituency. Although unsuccessful in his bid.

In 2024, Singh realigned his political allegiance, joining the Bharatiya Janata Party, furthering his dedication to serving the nation. Amidst his professional and political pursuits, Singh finds solace in his family life, having tied the knot with Archana Singh in 2011. Together, they are parents to a son, Arbir Singh.