Randeep Hooda cheered on from the stands as his friend, boxer Vijender Singh, claimed the WBO Asia Pacific Super Middleweight title, defeating former WBC European champion, Kerry Hope, at Delhi's Thyagraj Stadium on Saturday. The elated actor paints a word picture, "The atmosphere in the stadium was electric.The crowd went `ahhh' at every punch Kerry took, and with `ohhh' for the ones that landed on Vijender."
The 39-year-old actor may be a cricket buff but has kept track of his friend's boxing triumphs. "It was his longest bout so far and I believe a great exercise for him. He wasn't in the best form after suffering a few injuries but he did extremely well despite the odds. It's a great feeling when sports other than cricket get so much support from people," he exults.
He later caught India's star pugilist in his element at an after-party. "Vijender was thrilled that he hadn't let the country down and managed to uphold the Jatt pride. It was a great evening," says Randeep. Cricketers
Yuvraj Singh and
Suresh Raina, boxer Mary Kom and actresses
Neha Dhupia and Lin Laishram were also present to lend their support to the boxer.
The two Jatt boys go back a long way. Randeep has known Vijender since before he won an Olympic medal in 2008, as also boxers like Akhil Kumar. "Mr Chiranjeevi who has trained me for a film in the past, coached all these boxers when they were young. I was supposed to do a film on boxing earlier, titled 'Bhiwani'," Randeep says, adding that there may be a film collaboration on the cards with Vijender. "We discussed an idea. We'll take our conversation forward soon."
And what if there's a biopic on Vijender happening sometime in the future? Would he play him? "I would if I am not too old for the role. Or else I can portray his coach," Randeep signs off with a laugh.
Bajrangi Bhaijaan: Screening
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