New Delhi: The Congress has nominated 2008 Olympic bronze medallist boxer Vijender Singh, from the South Delhi constituency. He will take on BJP’s sitting MP Ramesh Bidhuri and AAP’s Raghav Chadha.
“In more than 20 years of my career in boxing I have always made my country proud in the ring. Now it’s time to do something for my countrymen and serve them,” Vijender tweeted late Monday night. “What better way than contesting an election and if possible winning it and then serving my countrymen,” he added.
The boxer thanked the Congress, party chief Rahul Gandhi and AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for entrusting him with this ‘responsibility’.
Earlier in the day, the Congress had announced six candidates from the national capital and with Vijender’s nomination, the party has named all its candidates for the seven Lok Sabha seats here.
Sources said the Congress is confident that Vijender will be able to garner massive support in the constituency, which has a large number of Jat and Gurjar voters.
It should be mentioned here that Vijender is currently training in the United States for his upcoming pro fight under the legendary Bob Arum. The boxer, however, is expected to be back here soon to campaign in his constituency.
In all, the Congress has so far declared candidates for 422 Lok Sabha seats.
It should be mentioned here that the BJP has also nominated former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir from the East Delhi constituency.