Vijender Singh
Singh, who became the first Indian boxer to win an Olympic medal with a bronze at the 2008 Beijing Games, says his grandfather Subedar Dariyao Singh played a key role in sparking his love for the sport.
Those childhood bouts, he says, eventually gave him a bigger dream — to win medals for India. For Vijender Singh , boxing was a part of childhood long before it became his profession. “My grandfather was in the Army and he was a boxer. As a child, I used to love boxing with him. That is where my interest in boxing started,” Vijender recalls. His love for boxing soon extended to school. “When I was around six or seven, I’d love boxing with the boys and winning those small fights. I enjoyed it so much that I started to think that I should take up boxing professionally. What began as playful sparring with his grandfather, and schoolyard fights, led to a career that made history. “Those small fights gave me the confidence and the belief that I could do something in boxing. I wanted to become a professional boxer and win medals for my country,” shares Vijender. I enjoyed it so much that I started to think that I should become a professional boxer Looking for trusted parenting advice? Follow TOI Parenting Circle on Instagram for expert guidance, relatable stories, and practical tips delivered every day.