You win sometimes, other times you learn: Vijender Singh on boxing, politics and fatherhood

He hasn't lost a bout in close to five years and Vijender Singh is determined to keep record with a world title to boot as he enters new dece donning multiple hats, including one of an active politician "with strong opinions".

34-year-old trailblazing boxer, who delivered India's first Olympic and men's world championship medals in boxing back in 2008 and 2009, has logged an enviable 12-0 record in professional circuit, which he entered in 2015.

"All talk with my promoters is focussed on world title. In all, I expect to compete in three-four fights this year with world title being big one. We are trying to ensure that this marquee fight happens in India," Vijender told PTI in an interview.

Vijender is handled by Hall of Famer Bob Arum's Top Rank Promotions in USA and has Infinity Optimal Solution (IOS) Boxing Promotions to handle him in India. He last fought in vember 2019, beating Ghana's former Commonwealth champion Charles amu in a lopsided bout.

"I will continue to train with Lee Beard and move to Manchester in a next few weeks to begin my training re. While I am here, I train at a gym in Gurugram," he said.

Beard, who has trained professional stars like Ricky Hatton, has been Vijender's trainer since 2015. Under his tutel, Haryana-l clinched WBO Asia Pacific and Oriental super middle-weight titles.

only time Vijender tasted defeat in last five years was when he decided to take political plunge ahe of 2019 Lok Sabha elections. He lost election from South Delhi while contesting on a Congress ticket.

Does he regret move?

"t one bit. I fully stand by it and I intend to be an active politician. I have strong opinions on issues and I like to be vocal. Being a politician gives you a platform to be change," he asserted.

"Kai baar aap seekhte hain, kai baar aap jitate hain (sometimes you learn, or times you win). That's how I would describe my decision to join politics. It is a wonderful way to stay connected with realities of life. Why should I have regrets just because I lost one election?" he asked.

So, does that mean he will be campaigning during upcoming Delhi assembly elections in February?

"I don't kw for w. If I am asked to campaign, I will. It is up to party high command. As of w, re hasn't been any communication on this," he answered.

belief that politics and sport do t mix has been replaced by an intense clamour for athletes' opinions on what are perceived to be burning issues of current times.

Vijender said re is thing wrong if people demand ir heroes to voice opinion in public.

"I believe athletes should speak. At one level, we are also representatives and our voices matter. It shouldn't be that we are saying stuff only when being paid to do so. Views rakhne chahiye, generally (we should present our views).

"It helps youngsters of this country in finding a voice. For instance, I don't understand why we should spend so much time outraging on what Pakistan is doing. We should move away from that and focus on ourselves.

"That's how we will progress. That's way forward, in my opinion," he said.

Speaking of going forward, strapping six-footer welcomed his second son in May last year and he says he has lost track of time ever since.

"I don't kw when day starts and when it ends. Right w, I am on ddy duty as well. I am a boxer, far, and politician. I hope I am at least decent in all se roles," he laughed.