Congress gives Boxer Vijender Singh ticket to contest from South Delhi

New Delhi: After months of dilly-dallying over the alliance talks, the Congress has released  names of all seven candidates for the Lok Sabha elections in Delhi.

Olympic medallist Vijender Singh's name was announced from the South Delhi Constituency. The boxer thanked party president Rahul Gandhi and UP east general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for the opportunity.Singh, who won the bronze medal in 2008 Beijing Olympics, took to twitter to express his gratitude.

"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," Singh tweeted on Monday.

The Congress on Monday fielded boxer Vijender Singh from the South Delhi Lok Sabha seat against Ramesh Budhiri, who is the sitting Member of Parliament from the BJP. In the triangular fight, AAP's Raghav Chadha is also in fray.He was awarded Padma Shri, India's third highest civilian honour, for his contribution in the field of sports in 2010.

In 2015, he had left amateur boxing to join the professional boxing. So far, he is unbeaten in his 10-bout pro career and also claimed the WBO Asia Pacific super welterweight title.The Delhi goes to polls on May 12 in the sixth phase. The result will be declared on May 23.(UNI)