Vijender Singh Credits Internet and Improved Facilities for Growth in Boxing

Olympic bronze medallist Vijender Singh believes that Indian boxing has undergone a significant transformation over the past 17-18 years, largely due to improved facilities and increased internet accessibility for athletes.

Vijender, who made history at the 2008 Beijing Olympics by becoming the first Indian boxer to win an Olympic medal, reflected on the evolution of the sport in India during a felicitation event organized by the Boxing Federation of India. The event honored medal-winning athletes from the Brazil and Astana World Cups.

“Nowadays, athletes have internet access. Back then, the internet was just starting in India,” Vijender told News18 Sports. “Now, if there is any issue, the athletes can tag the PMO and those can be solved, but don’t ask about our times. We didn’t even have AC in the training halls. Before winning the Olympic medal, we used to train in 50 degrees.”

Following Vijender’s groundbreaking achievement, Mary Kom (2012 London Olympics) and Lovlina Borgohain (2020 Tokyo Olympics) went on to secure Olympic bronze medals in women’s boxing. However, no Indian male boxer has won an Olympic medal since Vijender, with most campaigns ending in the Round of 16.

Vijender expressed disappointment that returning boxers from recent international tournaments were not given a proper welcome at the airport.

“I was very disappointed that no one came to receive them at the airport when they returned from the tournaments, despite such good results,” he said. “But after today’s function, I am glad. The boxers have been given the honour that they deserve.”

When asked about his own motivation during his competitive days, the 39-year-old said that professional advancement played a key role.

“I was a police inspector. As soon as I won the Olympic medal, they made me DSP. I knew I would get an AC room once I came back. That’s what I thought in my mind,” he said with a smile.

Offering words of encouragement for aspiring Olympians, Vijender emphasized the power of belief and visualization.

“If you dream, if you think of it, you can do it. Khuda ne aapko dimaag kyu diya hai? Isliye diya hai taaki aap soch sake (God gave you brain to think. So that you can visualise your dream),” he said.

Looking ahead to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, Vijender urged fans and athletes alike to remain optimistic. “Keep your hopes high. Ummeed pe duniya kaayam hai (The world rests on hope),” he said.