Olympic Boxing Hero Vijender Singh Joins Asian Council

The boxer who put Indian boxing on the Olympic map just earned a new title that could inspire thousands of future athletes.

Vijender Singh, India's bronze medalist from the 2008 Beijing Olympics, has been appointed to the Asian Boxing Council. The 40-year-old brings over 20 years of experience from both amateur and professional rings to his new leadership position.

The Asian Boxing Council operates under the World Boxing Council and shapes competitive frameworks across Asia and Australasia. Singh will help guide policy, development programs, and competition schedules that affect boxers throughout the region.

"Just as we created history in Beijing, I am committed to working for the growth of Asian boxing, with a strong focus on Indian boxers," Singh said after the Boxing Federation of India announced his appointment Saturday. His vision centers on helping athletes achieve even greater success than his generation accomplished.

Singh's boxing resume reads like a greatest hits collection. Beyond his historic Olympic bronze, he claimed gold at the 2010 Asian Games and bronze in 2006. He's also a three-time Commonwealth Games medalist, with silver medals from Melbourne 2006 and Glasgow 2014, plus bronze from Delhi 2010.

After turning professional in 2015, Singh dominated with a 13-1 record and nine knockouts. His last fight came in 2022 when he defeated Ghana's Eliasu Sulley by knockout.

The Ripple Effect

Singh's new role extends beyond just one country's boxing program. As a council member, he'll influence training standards, competition opportunities, and athlete development across dozens of nations. His experience navigating both Olympic amateur boxing and the professional circuit gives him unique insight into what athletes need at every level.

The appointment also adds to Singh's growing influence in Indian sports policy. Last year, the government named him to its Sports Expert Panel, where he contributes to athlete development, governance, and infrastructure initiatives.

From winning India's first Olympic boxing medal to now shaping the sport's future across an entire continent, Singh proves that champions can make their biggest impact long after leaving the ring.