Wish Indian community come out, cheer me in Dublin: Vijender Singh

Vijender Singh urged the Indian community in Dublin to turn up to support him during his second pro fight on November 7.

London: Birthday boy Vijender Singh on Thursday urged the Indian community in Dublin, Ireland to turn up in large numbers to support him during his second fight at the professional circuit on November 7.

Vijender, who turns 30 today, said he was missing his Indian friends and fellow boxers on this special day.

"I am missing my Indian friends, fellow boxers and coaches today on this special day but my new fellow boxers and trainers here have made it special by getting cake, gifts etc," he said.

"I am just training hard for my next fight and focusing on the win next Saturday. I have trained in Ireland before the 2012 Olympics and it was fun. I am looking forward to my fight in Dublin next Saturday. I am sure Indian community in Dublin will turn up in large numbers to cheer and support me at the National Stadium," Vijender said here last night after visiting the House of Commons, where he also met MP Keith Vaz.

In an hour-long meeting held at the Chess Room of Parliament, Vaz presented a birthday gift to the star Indian boxer and congratulated him for winning his professional debut fight. He also wished him good luck for his second fight.

"It's an honour for me to be here at the House of Commons to meet Hon Keith Vaz MP. It was really good and motivational meeting him. He appreciated me for joining professional boxing and extends his full support in my new journey. Hon Keith Vaz is a big time sports lover," said Vijender.

Praising Vijender, Vaz said: "We must support Vijender Singh in his career. I know he has worked hard to win first Olympic medal in the amateur boxing for India and I am confident that he will become the champion in his new journey very soon. It's an important step taken by Vijender Singh to promote British Indians to get involved in the sport and our community needs to support him."

Vijender will attend Diwali Festival celebrations, scheduled to be organised by the Indian community in Leicester on November 1.