Life teaches a new lesson every day: Boxer Vijender surpasses Olympic identity

New Delhi. Vijender Singh The U.K. Olympic medal laid the foundation for producing a world-class boxer in India, but the boxer has moved on from the bronze medal he won in Beijing 13 years ago because that’s what mature people do. Middleweight boxer Vijender said, “That’s progress, when you give up an identity and embrace new things, understand those things that once didn’t matter. It happens with time and responsibility.” He added, “Life teaches a new lesson every day.”

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With just one month left for the Tokyo Olympics, and Olympic Day celebrations across the world, one of the most glorious moments of Indian sports is being remembered – the country’s first Olympic medal in boxing. Recalling the preparations ahead of the Beijing Games, three-time Olympian Vijender said, “Those were golden days. We were careless, there was no responsibility. It was our training, diet and a few friends that mattered.” After failing twice, Vijender made it to the Olympics through the final qualifying event. Vijender was the only hope of a medal in boxing after he lost in the quarterfinals to veteran Akhil Kumar in Beijing.

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Vijender kept up the expectations and created history by defeating Carlos Gongora of Ecuador in the quarter-finals. This was his world at that time, but after more than a decade, he does not even use the word Olympian while giving his information on social media, which most current and former players do. “Olympics were good for me, in Beijing I gave my best, luckily I was able to win the bronze medal. I would like to say that it helped Indian boxing.” He said, “But after that I tried a lot of things, I got married, have kids, turned professional, tried my luck in politics too. That’s why I don’t think there is any point in looking back.” Vijender said, “There is an old saying here, even if you want to fall, fall forward, not backward. What’s the use of going back or falling behind.” This time nine Indian boxers have qualified for the Olympics and when asked about their medal chances, he said, “Very strong chances. I don’t keep a close eye on amateur boxing as I am busy elsewhere but from what I have seen, heard and read, he is likely to win more than one medal. Vikas Krishna looks strong and of course you have Mary Kom.

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This is a strong team and even if they do not see all their matches in Tokyo, expect to see some matches.” Kaur is there too. It’s good to see so many young people playing in their first Olympics. I am sure it will be a life changing experience for them. Despite being heartbroken in politics, Vijender said he would not leave it. The impact of the Kovid-19 pandemic is visible on everything and Vijender’s professional career has also been put on hold at the moment but the boxer is expected to enter at least one bout this year. Vijender has a dream that he wants to realize one day when things are back to normal across the world. He said, “I want to climb Mount Everest one day. It’s a dream and I haven’t done anything till now to start it but hopefully one day I will.