I am aspiring to be India's Manny Pacquaio: Vijender Singh

A trailblazer inside boxing ring, Olympic bronze-medallist Vijender Singh says he will draw inspiration from Filipi legend Manny Pacquiao in his political innings which start with Congress in ongoing general elections.  

33-year-old from crle of Indian boxing, Bhiwani in Haryana, was on Monday minated from South Delhi constituency by Grand Old Party locking him in a three-way fight with BJP's sitting MP Ramesh Bidhuri and Aam Ami Party's Raghav Chha.  

Speaking to PTI on Tuesday, India's only male boxer with an Olympic medal and first to claim a world championship medal sounded upbeat as he spoke about a decision which t many saw coming.

"I want to be India's Manny Pacquaio. It would be great if I can be as good as him because I am t giving up boxing. That's my first love, will always be. That's my identity and I am t going to give it up," said Vijender as he heed to file his mination.

last active sportsperson to fight an election in India was legendary cricketer Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, who lost from Gurgaon back in 1971 while competing for a regional party.

RE | Congress Fields Vijender Singh For South Delhi Constituency Ahe Of Lok Sabha Elections

man Vijender is looking up to is, however, ar story.  

Pacquiao is only eight-division world champion in history of boxing. He is also first to win major world titles in four out of eight weight classes -- flyweight, fearweight, lightweight and welterweight.  

40-year-old was elected to Philippines' House of Representatives, from province of Sarangani, in 2010. He was re-elected in 2013 before winning election to his country's Senate in June 2016. His term is till 2022.  

All this while he remains an active boxer and defended his WBA welterweight title in January this year against American rien Broner.

Vijender said his path is t going to be too different if he goes on to win on debut.  

"Even if I make it to Parliament, I will identify myself as boxer Vijender Singh and will continue to juggle my responsibilities," he said.  

Vijender's boxing career has been a stellar one, comprising a gold medal in Asian Games, three medals at Commonwealth Games, and multiple Asian Championship medals. He turned professional in 2015 and has been unbeaten so far.  

He recently signed up with legendary Bob Arum's Top Rank Promotions and is expected to make his debut on American soil in next few months.

Does he have a plan to man two diverse careers in different continents on top of it?  

"What plan? Rab aape hi karda hai sab kuch (God takes care of everything). He wants me to be a leer, he will make me one. I follow his wish," was his rar philosophical take. 

Discussing politics, Vijender said issues he will focus on our youth and, of course, sports.

"I am genuinely concerned about employment, which I think is a prominent issue for youth. And being a sportsperson, I am also keen on working towards developing sports infrastructure. It's about time we h good infrastructure so that budding athlete can actually flourish," he said.

Asked why he opted for Congress, a party which did t win a single seat in Delhi in 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Vijender said, "I relate to ideology and leership."

"As is propagated by our leership, I want to be a friend of electorate. I don't wish to be neta that visits once in five years. I am t going to do rallies or ro shows. I am going to connect with voters spontaneously."  

Elaborating on his campaign strategy, Vijender said he will be relying heavily on social media.  

"I am just going to post where I will be and at what time, on my social media ps. I leave it to people wher y want to join me or t. It is t going to be coordinated because I believe, y should see me as ir friend or bror, t an imposing neta," said boxer whose Twitter following stands at 3.79 million.

Being embroiled in a drug scandal in 2013, when he was accused of buying heroin by Punjab Police, remains only low point of his public life. He was eventually cleared of that as well after a dope test by National Anti Doping ncy (NA).  

In rough and tumble of election campaign, where personal attacks are t an unchartered territory, he could become a target but Vijender said it doesn't bor him.  

"When have I t been attacked? It's routine for me. And as y say, dogs bark, let m. It didn't affect me earlier, it's t going to affect me w," he said.

"I just want to be someone who touches lives and it is t dependent on wher I win or lose," he ded.