‘Getting Khel Ratna was always my dream’

Express News Service
Posted: Jul 30, 2009 at 0254 hrs IST

Patiala Terming it as "biggest moment" of his career, Beijing Olympics bronze medal winner Vijender Singh sounded ecstatic after being officially chosen for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award along with wrestler Sushil Kumar and four-time world champion boxer Mary Kom. 

"This is without doubt the biggest moment of my career," Vijender told Newsline from Patiala, where he is training for the World Championship to be held in September. 

"I am honoured to get this award along with Sushil and Mary Kom. It's very special because every sportsperson in India dreams of it. Sushil was one of the heroes of Beijing Olympics and Mary Kom has been a motivational force in women's boxing. It feels great to get the award along with them," he said on Wednesday. 

The boxer from Bhiwani plans to keep the celebrations low key as training for the World Championships means that he rarely gets time for the celebrations. "All of us are keeping our eyes on the World Championship to be held in September in Milan. We have been in fine form and the experience in the Czech Grand Prix and Asain Boxing Championship will help us good in the world championships. The team has been practicing hard and we expect to do well in the championship," shared Vijender. Adding further he said, "I spend almost the entire day inside the ring sparring. That leaves me with little time for anything else. I will celebrate but it would not be very big because we are into serious preparation for the World Championships," he said. 

Vijender won the Arjuna award in 2007 and the Bhiwani boxer said he is looking forward to being at the Rashtrapati Bhawan after becoming a star. "I will walk into the Rashtrapati Bhawan for the second time in that same ceremony. I know it would be a different feeling and I cannot wait for the experience," Vijender said. No Indian boxer had ever won a Khel Ratna before this year and Vijender said two pugilists getting it in the same year was a bonanza he never expected. "Two boxers getting Khel Ratna is just unbelievable. I am very happy for Mary and Sushil too. Both of them deserved this and it's great," he said. Vijender also showed faith in his coaches and said his coaches play an important role in his success. "My coaches have always been working hard for my success. It is like a family and we all work hard for each other," said Vijender. Adding further, he said,"My life did change overnight after winning the Olympic medal. I have been in constant limelight. I know that it is boxing that has earned me all the respect and I have to keep performing. I am determined to work harder."