Car mechanic’s son fights his way to professional boxing glory

The life of Chandandeep Singh, a 23-year-old professional boxer from Nawanshahr, is a testament to courage, perseverance and hard work.

Recently, he participated in an international professional boxing championship in Bangladesh, where he showcased his skills by competing in a six-round match against his Bangladeshi opponent. For the past few years, Singh has been training at Lyalpur Khalsa College, Jalandhar, honing his craft in the ring.

Son of a car mechanic, Chandandeep’s upbringing was marked by financial struggles. He shared, “I saw my family facing financial difficulties. My father, who was also a kabaddi player, never pursued the sport professionally due to these struggles. I began boxing only when I entered college.”

Chandandeep started with amateur boxing and was later encouraged by his coach, Jaskaran Sir at Lyalpur Khalsa College, to transition to professional boxing. “My ultimate goal is to perfect my skills and secure a government job. Right now, I can’t afford the protein and diet my body requires, but I’m determined to keep working hard so I can support my family,” he shared with The Tribune.

However, his journey hasn’t been without challenges. Chandandeep revealed that his mother and grandmother were initially opposed to him pursuing professional boxing due to the brutal nature of the sport. “Professional boxing is more intense and dangerous. My mother and grandmother would worry when I came home injured,” he said.

He recalled times when his training would leave him bruised and swollen, particularly around his eyes. “I wouldn’t go home when I had injuries like that,” Chandandeep admitted, a reflection of the sacrifices he’s made to chase his dreams.

Upon his return from Bangladesh, the young boxer was honoured by the district administration. Deputy Commissioner Ankurjit Singh commended his achievements, stating that the sports department would offer him full support to help him reach greater heights in boxing.

Speaking with Chandandeep in his office, the Deputy Commissioner expressed his pride, saying, “By representing the country at the international level, you’ve brought pride to the entire district. I wish you the best and encourage you to continue working hard to bring further glory to Punjab and India. Take full advantage of the support being provided by the sports department and keep striving for success.”

Chandandeep’s rise in professional boxing is not only a personal triumph but also a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes in the region, proving that hard work and determination can overcome even the most difficult of circumstances.