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Soni Mishra
Soni Mishra

Rahul Gandhi and sports

Rahul Gandhi reveals his fitness secrets, says he is a black belt in Aikido

rahul-gandhi-speak1.jpg.image.975.568 (File photo) Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi

The sporting side of Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi generated a lot of interest a day after he revealed at an event that he is a keen sportsman who has tried his hand at a range of sports activities and is a black belt in the Japanese martial art of Aikido.

Responding to a question on why politicians were not interested in sports, raised by boxer Vijender Singh at an event of PHD Chambers of Commerce and Industry on Thursday, Gandhi said he could not be included in that category as he was into sports.

“I exercise. I run, swim. And I am a black belt in Aikido. I don't talk about it publicly,” he said, replying to Vijender's query. He said sports had an important place in his life and he devoted one hour to sporting activity every day.

The boxer asked the Congress leader to post pictures and videos of his sporting engagements online, and he said he would do it.

However, while Gandhi has not posted such photos and videos yet, pictures of his sporting avatar have been shared online by his supporters. A group picture of Aikido students, including Gandhi, is commonly being shared. The picture includes Rahul's martial arts guru Sensei Paritos Kar and a visiting Aikido master from Japan.

Gandhi has been learning Aikido for several years, and has even been to Japan to get training in the martial art form. He was awarded black belt in Aikido in 2013.

Among the pictures are a certificate given to Gandhi in 1989 by the National Rifle Association of India for his participation in the National Shooting Championship Competitions. A picture of Gandhi cycling, wearing a cyclist's gear and shades, has also been shared online. The Congress leader has been spotted cycling on Delhi roads, especially late at night. These pictures are being shared on Twitter accompanied by the hashtag #FittestRahulGandhi and #FullofHumility.

At the PHDCCI event, shortly after Vijender's questions had been answered, another member of the audience got up to ask his question, and began by complimenting Gandhi on his well-toned arms, saying, “I saw you on TV recently. You were wearing a T shirt. I must say, your arms are quite fit.”

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Topics : #Rahul Gandhi

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