KOLKATA, WEST BENGAL — Boxer-turned-politician Vijender Singh has called on the youth of West Bengal to support change in the upcoming Assembly elections, highlighting development and sports infrastructure as key issues.
Speaking in Kolkata, Vijender Singh appealed to young voters to vote for development and back Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, stating that the state needs a shift toward policies that prioritise growth and opportunities for the younger generation.
He emphasised that sports development and athlete welfare should be a major focus area, drawing comparisons between incentives offered by different states. Referring to Haryana’s sports policy, Vijender noted that athletes winning Olympic medals are awarded significant cash incentives—₹8 crore for gold, ₹5 crore for silver, and ₹3 crore for bronze.
In contrast, he alleged that athletes in West Bengal receive much lower financial support, claiming that medal winners are given around ₹25 lakh. According to him, this disparity highlights the need for improved policies to support sportspersons in the state.
Vijender further claimed that several welfare schemes meant for athletes are not being effectively implemented in West Bengal, which, he argued, discourages talent and limits opportunities for aspiring sportspersons. He stressed that better infrastructure, incentives, and institutional support are essential to nurture sporting excellence.
The BJP leader also linked sports development to broader governance issues, stating that investment in youth and sports can play a significant role in overall development. He argued that empowering young people through sports, education, and employment opportunities should be a priority for any government.
His remarks come in the context of the upcoming West Bengal Assembly Elections, where political parties are actively campaigning and outlining their visions for the state. Youth engagement and development have emerged as key themes in the political discourse.
Observers note that sports policy and athlete welfare are increasingly becoming part of political debates, especially in states with a strong sporting culture. Leaders often use such comparisons to highlight governance differences and appeal to younger voters.
Vijender Singh reiterated that the youth hold the power to shape the future of the state, and urged them to make informed choices based on development, governance, and opportunities.
His statement reflects the BJP’s campaign focus on youth empowerment and development in West Bengal, while also bringing attention to issues related to sports infrastructure and athlete support in the state.
