'I will always be known as Vijender Singh from India'

The biggest name in Indian boxing, Olympic bronze medallist Vijender Singh has quit the amateur circuits and has turned professional. The pugilist and DSP of Haryana Police, who has signed a multi-year agreement with a UK-based company, spoke to us about this new era in his life, threat of action looming large on his head from his department for bidding adieu to Indian boxing and more.Excerpts:
You are getting widespread support for this decision to quit amateur sports, though many feel that you could have continued to play for India till Rio Olympics in 2016.
Now, I have set a new goal for myself to become one of the top players in the pro circuit. I'm glad that people have rallied behind me, but then, I have seen it all on the amateur circuit. I won several medals in various international competitions for India, and to top it all, I got the honour of bringing home an Olympic medal. Now, I want to fight it out in the professional circle and I'm inspired by Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali, the great boxing professionals.
Haryana's director general of police YP Singhal has gone on record to say that you may lose your job as the DSP...
I will explain my work to them properly and will maintain the decorum of my department, too. I'm sure the authorities will understand because I will strike a balance between the two arenas.
Professional circuit can bring you a lot of money and greater popularity. But, it also means that you can't represent India at the Olympics, Asian Games or Commonwealth Games now.
I agree that nothing can beat that amazing feeling of winning a medal for your country at the Olympics. I will still cry whenever the tricolour is hoisted at the Olympics, but now, I want young boxers to achieve glory there and my prayers will always be with them. Somebody has to pave a new path. Why not me?
It is said that one of the reasons behind your turning a pro is politics in the Indian boxing circuits.
There is no denying that there is a lot of politics involved in Indian sports, but then, the Constitution has made the provision of elections in sports. There is no boxing federation in India for the past couple of years and there are a few people who act as autocrats. As an athlete, my job was to play, which I did, but I feel sad for the youngsters. If they can't play in the tourneys, earn money, or get jobs, why would they take to boxing?
Now that you have signed a deal with a UK-based company, does that mean you will stay away from India most of the time?
Since I will be boxing abroad a lot, I won't spend as much time in India. But, nobody can take away India from my heart and soul. I will always be known as Vijender Singh from India. That's my only identity in life.
Professional boxing has a lot of glamour attached with it. If you get an offer to work in a film, would you accept it?
I'm open to diverse challenges and creative experiences in life. I have walked the ramp, appeared on chat shows and even done a film, Fugly. If I get a nice Bollywood or Hollywood film, which stimulates the actor in me, I would definitely say yes.