I completed my undergraduate degree in Business Information Technology in 2010, and had until recently been working full-time, alongside this I have been an active boxer, I recently got bored of my job and wanted to do something different, so decided to go back to University and undertake a Master's qualification in Sports Management, I had also been rewarded a Sports Scholarship in Boxing. Being the first Asian to be awarded a sports scholarship at the University is a huge honor for me, but I see this as only the start of my journey.
I original started boxing due to my Dad, when I was young I remember seeing him take part in training sessions, I started training from the age of nine but never took it seriously. Being the oldest son for 4 my family felt like they had to look after me and that I shouldn't be involved in these sports, so I stopped boxing. I started again due being attacked by four men when I was 18 years old. I was so angry at what happened and wanted to learn to defend myself, so I went back into boxing, I asked my Dad numerous times to let me go train, but he knew how hard the sport was and didn't want me to get involved. After a few weeks of nagging, he agreed to let me train with the University of Portsmouth Boxing team. After months of training I was getting better and better each time, after eight months of training I was offered the opportunity to box competitively. After the nervous build-up, I got in the ring and performed, I beat a Cambridge University student in front of family, which was so proud for me.
I am now 27 years old and, I have made it to numerous finals. I undertake boxing because it's the most honest sport available, it tests you mentally and physically, you have to push yourself beyond what is comfortable. I live in a small town in the United Kingdom (Portsmouth) the Sikh Community is very small and the temple is only open once a week (Sunday) Boxing makes me to feel closer to God, makes me pray everyday and feel God is with me. It also helped keep me away from distractions, when I was at university studying my undergraduate studies, I witnessed a lot of Sikh people going out drinking, when I went out with my 'friends' it didn't feel right, I felt out of place, and this encouraged me to dedicate myself to my sport to the sport. What I was told by these people was being Punjabi I had to drink, I disagreed with this statement and from this I could tell who my real friends were, They were the ones who understood me and encouraged me to continue with my training.
I hope with the Sport Scholarship I can live my dreams and win a national title, which can take me further hopefully become a Professional Boxer. I believe the support from my Sikh community would only encourage me to perform better and prove every time. I am a proud Sikh, proud of what Sikhs have done before me, I want to create new doors for Sikhs to follow.
Please follow my journey with your prays and support would be much appreciated.
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Terry D.R. Singh
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