Vijender Singh Beniwal is an international level boxing player from India. He had won various medals and huge accolades from national as well as international audiences. Winning an Olympics medal in 2008 and reaching a spot of no. 1 player at world level are some of his most remarkable achievements.
He was born on 29th October, 1985 in a village Kalwas, in Bhiwani, Haryana. He belonged to a decent family. His father Mahipal Singh Beniwal is a bus driver with Haryana Roadways. His mother is a housewife. He completed his primary level education from the village Kalwas only. His secondary level education was done at Bhiwani. And finally he completed his graduation from Vaish College.
Vijender had to undergo several hardships before he got this fame and fortune. His father used to drive extra hours for increasing the income of the family and supporting the education of Vijender and his elder brother Manoj. Vijender was inspired by his brother who is also a boxer. In 1990, Raj Kumar Sangwan received the Arjuna Award. Gaining an inspiration from him, The Singh brother duo decided to take up boxing as their full time career. They thought it would help them bring some money to home. However, in 1998 his elder brother got selected in Indian Army. He joined the forces and later gave Vijender all the monetary help he needed at that time to pursue the dream of boxing.
Vijender started training at Bhiwani Boxing Club. He had to perspire and do trivial jobs to meet the coaching expenses. It was Jagdish Singh, a former national level boxer who recognised Vijender’s talent. Vijender won his first silver medal at sub-junior level national boxing championship in 1997. He clinched a gold medal in the year 2000 at National level championship. In 2003, he became the All India Youth Champion. Afro-Asian games, 2003 proved to be the turning point of Vijender’s career. Despite being from a junior wing he not only managed a selection in the Indian team but also won a silver medal in the events. This brought him recognition at national and international stage. It was the commencement of an unstoppable journey.
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The ride was never smooth. Vijender had to face defeats also. In Athens Olympics held in 2004, Vijender lost to his rival Mustafa Karagollu of Turkey. In 2006 Commonwealth Games, Vijender lost his finals but clinched a silver medal by defeating Neil Perkins of England. In 2006, in Asian games held at Doha, Vijender managed a bronze medal after losing to a strong contender Bhakhtiyar Artayev of Kazakhstan. He later defeated the same contender in the final bout of President’s Cup Boxing Tournament in 2008. He showcased an excellent boxing technique and impressively won the bronze medal-the first ever medal won by a boxer in 2008 Beijing Olympics. His winning streak was halted by Cuban boxer Emilio Correa in the semi finals. He also won a bronze medal at Commonwealth games 2010 in a controversial result. Vijender was not satisfied with the point system and his team even lodged a protest. But the complaint was turned down and Vijender had to settle down with the bronze medal only.
Vijender has been awarded with Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Puraskaar and Padam Shree award for his excellence and contribution in the field of boxing.
Vijender has been constantly appearing in various ad campaigns. Due to his good looks and an athletic physique, he has got offers from almost all spheres of TV and Bollywood. He had also walked ramp and made appearances on various TV shows like Nach Baliye, Dus Ka Dum etc.
Vijender is a bright face of the shining India and an inspiration for the youth of India.