War Veteran’s son and boxing coach Rajesh Kumar eyes entry into electoral poltics

Rajesh Kumar, a well-known boxing coach in Haryana, particularly in the Kurukshetra-Kaithal region, is making a significant move towards mainstream politics. He is seeking a Congress ticket for the upcoming elections, and the grand old party has included his name on the panel of shortlisted candidates for two assembly seats in Kaithal - Kalayat and Pundri.

Rajesh hails from a family of army veterans and farmers in Rajond village, Kaithal district, and belongs to the Ror community.

Rajesh's father, late Sher Singh, was a war veteran who fought in both the 1965 Indo-Pak war and the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.

Rajesh took up boxing as a means to improve his family’s socio-economic status. Recognizing the sport's potential to break the cycle of poverty, he not only excelled in boxing but also encouraged his younger brothers, Manoj Kumar and Mukesh Kumar, to follow the same path. Today, eight members of his family, including two-time Olympian Manoj Kumar, have achieved significant success through boxing.

In 2013, Rajesh established a boxing academy in Kurukshetra, where he has trained numerous athletes from rural areas. His trainees have gone on to win national and international medals, bringing pride to their communities. Rajesh’s commitment to nurturing young talent earned him a position in the Sports Department at Kurukshetra University, where he continues to guide aspiring athletes toward achieving their dreams.

Rajesh’s academy, supported by his family, provides free training to players from underprivileged backgrounds, charging only a nominal fee to others. This initiative has made a significant impact on many young athletes, helping them realize their potential and rise above their circumstances.

Rajesh was also part of the coaching staff for the Indian contingent at the 2016 Rio Olympics, further solidifying his reputation in the sports community.

Now, as Rajesh eyes a Congress ticket in the forthcoming Haryana state assembly elections, he has obtained a NOC from Kurukshetra University to contest the upcoming state assembly elections.

"Politics is a powerful platform where we can empower all sections of society, including the youth, by providing them with equal opportunities to grow," said Rajesh.