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Sportspersons are used to competing on the field, but here we take a look at some of the sportpersons who will be competing this year in a different realm altogether.The General Elections of 2014 are under a month away and here we take a look at 5 distinguished sportsmen from different sports who have decided to take the political plunge this time around.
#5 Mohammad Kaif
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The former India middle order batsman and Uttar Pradesh captain is remembered fondly for his partnership with Yuvraj Singh which helped India win the Natwest Trophy in 2002.
Kaif, who last represented India in 2006, will be contesting with the Congress party for the Phulpur Lok Sabha seat in Uttar Pradesh.
#4 Dilip Tirkey
Apart from being a three-time Olympian and former captain of the Indian hockey team, Tirkey is also a sitting member of the Rajya Sabha after contesting and winning the elections in 2012.
This time however, Tirkey, an Arjuana awardee and the recipient of the Padma Shri, will contest the Lok Sabha elections from Sundargarh in Odisha on a Biju Janata Dal (BJD) ticket.
#3 Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore
The lone Indian medallist from the Athens Olympics in 2004, Rathore joined the BJP in September 2013 after taking voluntary retirement from the Indian Army.
The 44-year-old Arjuna awardee and Padma Shri recipient will be contesting from the Jaipur (rural) seat in Rajasthan.
#2 Mohammad Azharuddin
The former Indian cricket captain has been actively involved in politics with the Congress since 2009.
Azhar, who led India in 99 Tests and 334 ODIs, is a sitiing Lok Sabha Member of Parliament from Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh.
This time however, Azhar will be contesting the elections for the Tonk-Sawai Madhopur seat in Rajasthan.
#1 Bhaichung Bhutia
It came as a pretty big surprise when former Indian football captain and India's most-capped footballer Bhaichung Bhutia decided to join hands with the Mamata Bannerjee-led Trinamool Congress earlier this month.
Bhutia, who retired from international football in August 2011, is the Trinamool Congress candidate for the Darjeeling Lok Sabha seat.
