Vijender Singh, a prominent Indian boxer, transitioned to a professional career in 2015. His remarkable achievements include being the first Indian boxer to win an Olympic medal, showcasing his dedication and talent on the global stage.
Wiki/Biography, Caste
Vijender Singh, born into a Jat family on October 29, 1985 (age 38 as of 2023), hails from Kaluwas, Bhiwani, Haryana, India. His father, Mahipal Singh Beniwal, worked as a bus driver. He completed his primary education in Kaluwas and secondary education in Bhiwani. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Vaish College of Education, Bhiwani.
Inspired by boxer Raj Kumar Sangwan, Vijender pursued boxing. His elder brother, Manoj, a boxer serving in the Indian Army, provided crucial financial support during his early career. He trained at the Bhiwani Boxing Club under coach Jagdish Singh, a former national-level boxer who recognized Vijender’s potential.
Vijender’s talent shone early. He won a silver medal at his first sub-junior nationals in 1997 and secured his first gold medal at the 2000 Nationals. By 2003, he became the All India Youth Boxing champion, establishing himself as a rising star in the sport.
Physical Appearance
Here’s a summary of Vijender Singh’s physical attributes:
| Attribute | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 183 cm or 6′ |
| Weight | 75 kg or 165 lbs |
| Chest Size | 40 Inches |
| Waist Size | 32 Inches |
| Biceps Size | 15 Inches |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Hair Color | Black |
Family
Vijender Singh’s parents are Mahipal Singh Beniwal and Krishna. He has one brother, Manoj, also a boxer and a member of the Indian Army. He married Archana Singh on May 17, 2011, and they have a son, Arbir Singh.
Career
Vijender’s Olympic journey began at the 2004 Athens Olympics (welterweight division), where he lost to Mustafa Karagollu of Turkey. At the 2006 Commonwealth Games, he won a silver medal. He later transitioned to the middleweight division, winning a bronze medal at the 2006 Asian Games. His bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics brought him widespread recognition.
His accolades include the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award (2009) and the Padma Shri (2010). He continued to compete in major events, securing medals at various Commonwealth and Asian Games. In 2015, Vijender turned professional, signing with Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions.
His professional debut on October 10, 2015, saw him defeat Sonny Whiting via TKO. His career highlights a blend of amateur and professional success, showcasing his resilience and skill.
Controversies
- A two-point penalty at the 2010 Commonwealth Games for being late to a bout.
- Allegations of heroin purchase from an NRI in 2013, which he denied; he was later cleared by NADA.
Favourites
- Food: Grilled Lamb, Kadhai Chicken
- Actor: Akshay Kumar
- Boxers: Raj Kumar Sangwan, Mike Tyson, Muhammad Ali
- Cricketers: Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag
Salary/Net Worth
In 2016, his net worth was estimated at ?3.2 crore.
Facts
- Initially aspired to join the Indian Army before focusing on boxing.
- A Bollywood film offer in 2011 was withdrawn due to his marriage.
- Cited Rocky Balboa as an early influence.
- Appeared on Salman Khan’s “Dus Ka Dum” with Mallika Sherawat.
- Worked as Priyanka Chopra’s bodyguard at a Pune rally.
- His hometown, Bhiwani, is known as “Little Cuba” for its boxing talent.
- One of only two boxers (along with Mary Kom) to receive the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award.
- Briefly ranked world No. 1 in the middleweight division in 2009.
- Close friends with Akshay Kumar.
- Served as a DSP in Haryana Police (sports quota).
- Appeared on Bigg Boss 7 in 2013.
- Made his Bollywood debut in “Fugly” (2014).
- Hobbies include listening to music and working out.
- Joined the Indian National Congress (INC) in 2019 and later joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in April 2024.
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