An incident that left an impression on me was the 1999 sub-junior national boxing championship held in Calcutta. I had trained extremely hard to get there but got kicked out in the first round itself. 'If others can win, why can't you?' I repeatedly asked myself.
Vijender SinghAs far as action is concerned, our films have been coming up with some great sequences. In fact, I think Hollywood is copying Bollywood by getting their heroes to bash up 15 guys at a time.
Vijender SinghI love music, and can dance on the desi beats. Punjabi music is my favourite. I listen to artists like Honey Singh. I love his music. I also love watching Bollywood films.
Vijender SinghI train for around 3-4 hours everyday. It can go up to 6-7 hours when a competition is approaching.
Vijender SinghI eat healthy and don't go by a diet chart. The breakfast is usually heavy, complemented with short frequent meals. My dinner is high on proteins and low on carbohydrates.
Vijender SinghI have prepared myself to be at my peak in London. But in the Olympics, there are so many factors. You need to stay alert all the time, and a lapse of concentration, even for a second, will let you down.
Vijender SinghI always try to see the good in everything, and that gives me strength. Even when I lost in the London Olympics quarterfinals, I said to myself, 'Don't lose heart, God has his own plans.' Actually, life just goes on; you have to accept whatever challenge you face and become stronger.
Vijender SinghI know my Beijing medal has been a watershed moment in the history of Indian boxing , but personally speaking, I would like to better it in London.
Vijender SinghI do a lot of yoga and meditation. It calms my nerves and helps me channelise my energy.
Vijender SinghI have a carbohydrate and protein-rich diet. For breakfast, I typically have two slices of bread with butter or jam, four to five eggs - boiled or fried - a few bananas and a glass of milk.
Vijender SinghI knew very little or nothing about the Olympics. Having qualified was itself a big achievement for me, and then being there was quite overwhelming. Although I lost in the opening round, but the fact that I fought well was enough for me to take away from Athens.
Vijender SinghI want to compete in the next Olympics. If I go to Rio, it will be my third time, which is a rare feat for an Indian athlete. For me, Olympics is important because it's the biggest event on earth for a sports person. I hope this time around I come back with a medal.
Vijender SinghI think God has it written down for me, that without training and working hard you will never achieve desired results. All three times I have had to toil my way into the Olympics. Talking about pressure, well that is something you have to learn to deal with in sports.
Vijender SinghI believe, whatever God does, he does it for the good. I always try to look at life like that.
Vijender SinghI'm a big fan of the Rocky series. Given the chance, I'd love to meet Sylvester Stallone. But apart from boxing, I'm an ardent fan of tennis and football.
Vijender SinghWhen I walk for a designer, I walk the ramp as Vijender Singh, the boxer. I believe that by doing so, boxing will at least, in some way, get promoted in our entertainment industry. Plus, if cricketers can, why can't I?
Vijender SinghAchievements are precious and timeless, just like the precious metal platinum. And what better way to celebrate milestones in your life than with precious platinum.
Vijender SinghI don't watch cricket much but I admire Sachin Tendulkar. I like the way he has conducted himself over the years. He has been such a huge star for so long but has not had a single controversy against his name.
Vijender SinghI have never thought of a full-fledged career in Bollywood because boxing has never left my mind. But you never know.
Vijender Singh