By L. C. K Singh

Imphal, July 8 (ANI): Mayengbam Suranjoy Singh of Manipur who recently won first Asian Championship Gold medal in 15 years at the Asian Boxing Championship held in China has inspired many young people in the north-east.

Suranjoy was recently felicitated in a ceremony organised by Sports Authority of India (SAI) and Youth Affairs and Sports Department of Manipur.

Senior officials of SAI and sportspersons attended the function.

During the function, the distinguished sports personalities opined that Mayengbam Suranjoy Singh, son of M. Inakhunba Singh of Uchiwa Leirak Achouba, has brought pride not only to the State but the country as a whole.

Born in the family of sportspersons, Suranjoy started his career as a football player, however, his journey as a boxer started at the age of 15. His introduction to the sport was when he joined a boxing camp at Sagolband Lukram Leirak.

Suranjoy has always been full of confidence and determination, which was on display in his achievement. It has motivated him to strive for perfection in the years to come.

“I am very happy. This is just the beginning. I have a long way to go. This win is an encouragement and motivation for me to strive for excellence even in other competitions in the future,” said Suranjoy Singh, Asian Boxing Championship, Gold Medallist, Manipur.

Suranjoy, who clinched the Gold in flyweight category of 51 kilogram arrived in Imphal and was greeted by a large number of enthusiastic supporters of the State.

In his career, besides several Gold Medals at the State and National Level championships Suranjoy also won a bronze medal in 2004 at the Junior World Championship.

Suranjoy’s family is today proud of their son for bringing laurels to the country. They are hopeful that the younger generation would be encouraged by Suranjoy’s success.

“I feel really proud of my son as he have brought fame not for the state of Manipur but for the country as well. He got the opportunity to play in different state in the country and was chosen to even play at the international level as well. Now he has won and I feel really happy about his achievement,” said M. Inakhunaba Singh, Suranjoy’s father.

“We got a phone call from Delhi saying that he got a gold medal. I was so happy on hearing the news. I couldn’t even utter a word out of happiness,” said M. Tmpak Leima Devi, Suranjoy’s mother.

During the function, a cash reward of Rs 50,000 was give to Suranjoy for his achievement in the international arena.

Suranjoy’s achievement is undoubtedly has inspired all sport enthusiasts in the northeast region of the country. (ANI)