Indian pugilist Vijender Singh, who recently inked a deal with Top Rank promotion and was set to make his U.S. debut earlier in the month has now joined Indian political party, Congress. Vijender secured the first ever medal for Indian boxing back during the 2008 Summer Olympics, where he won the bronze medal.

Vijender Singh last competed back in 2017, where he retained the WBO Asia Pacific and WBO Oriental super middleweight title. Singh, who currently trains under legendary coach Freddie Roach, has shifted his base to Los Angeles. However, Vijender reportedly suffered an injury, delaying his debut in the United States.

Now however, it has been announced that Vijender will be Congress party’s candidate to contest for the South Delhi constituency. Vijender Singh also thanked Congress party’s president Rahul Gandhi for giving him the opportunity.

“In more than 20 years of my career in boxing, I have always made my country proud in the ring. Now its time to do something for my countrymen and serve them. I would like to accept this opportunity and thank Congress, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra”, Vijender Singh tweeted.

In more than 20 yrs of my career in boxing i have always made my country proud in the ring. Now its time to do something for my countrymen & serve them. I would like to accept this opportunity & thank @INCIndia party @RahulGandhi ji @priyankagandhi ji for this responsibility

— Vijender Singh (@boxervijender) April 22, 2019