Vijender Singh- The Boxing Superstar (INDIA)

Name: Vijender Singh Beniwal

DOB: 29 October 1985

Birth Place: Kaluwas, Bhiwani Distt, Haryana

Occupation: Boxer (Middleweight) , Policeman

Spouse: Archana Singh

Height: 182 cm

Awards by Government of India: Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratan Award, Arjun Award, Padam Shri.

Competition Won:

Medal record
Competitor for  India
Men’s Boxing
Olympic Games
Bronze	2008 Beijing	Middleweight
World Amateur Boxing Championships
Bronze	2009 Milan	Middleweight
Commonwealth Games
Silver	2006 Melbourne	Welterweight
Bronze	2010 Delhi	Middleweight
Asian Games
Gold	2010 Guangzhou	Middleweight
Bronze	2006 Doha	Middleweight

Important Facts:

* Singh’s interest in boxing was inspired by his brother, who took up the sport in 1996 and was able to gain a place in the Indian Army in 1998 on the strength of his boxing ability.

* Coming from a poor family, it was one of the main avenues to get a job.Supported by his parents, who did not insist that he prioritise his education after they realised his sporting talent, what began for Singh as a pastime became his career.

Thanks to the media, people have started taking boxing seriously over the past two years. Everyone knows my name now because my achievements have been highlighted. Lekin boxing ka toh kuch promotion hi nahin hota India mein. (But boxing is still not promoted in India!) We don’t have boxing academies, we don’t even have proper boxing rings. I have lost count of the times I have approached the government and the sporting authorities for support, but nothing has happened. […] In this country, everyone is hung up on cricket. Forget about boxing, India is doing so well in other sports too. Saina Nehwal is a great badminton player, the Indian tennis team has just won a Davis Cup tie, lekin hamare liye support kahan hai? (but where is the support for all of us?)

* His father, Mahipal Singh Beniwal, is a bus driver with, while his mother is a homemaker. His father worked overtime to pay for the education of Vijender and his elder brother, Manoj.

*Vijender appeared on Bollywood actor Salman Khan’s game show 10 Ka Dum. He was accompanied by Bollywood actress Mallika Sherawat. Other appearances includes the fourth season of the Indian dance reality show Nach Baliye with actress Bipasha Basu.

* Vijender has qualified to represent India at the London 2012 Olympic Games.