On a high after first pro-bout ; Sarita eyes 2018 Asian Games
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 04 2017:
While expressing keen desire to come back home victorious from the 2018 Asian Games, former world boxing champion Laishram Sarita has exuded confidence that she would be crowned champion in professional category even if she cannot win in the amateur category.
Sarita was accorded a warm reception today at Mayang Imphal in honour of her resounding victory in her first international professional bout at Imphal recently.
Speaking at the gathering, Sarita admitted she is not experienced enough in professional boxing.
Yet, she exuded confidence that she will become a champion in professional boxing too.
"The humiliating experience at the 2014 Incheon Asian Games was one of the bitterest moments of my life", said the Arjuna Award recipient.
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She confided that she even thought about quitting the game of boxing during those moments.
"It was the continuous support and solidarity extended by my family and the people of Manipur that I still continue boxing", she continued.
She informed that she has opened a boxing academy and she has been training many budding boxers.
"I achieved my first victory in professional boxing at Khuman Lampak Indoor Stadium on January 29 and it was a big motivation for me", Sarita said.
The felicitation function was jointly organised by Social Welfare Club Mayang Imphal, Mayang Imphal Khumanpokpa Youth Association and Mayang Imphal Apunba Meira Paibi Lup.
Biramangol College Associate Prof Khumujam (O) Pratima, Manipur Pradesh Mahila Congress Committee secretary Kh Achoubi, Mayang Imphal Block Mahila Congress Committee president Ch Ibemcha, secretary Y Laxmi and Mayang Imphal Municipal Council Councillor Th Chandrajini attended the function as presidium members.
Speaking at the gathering, Editors Guild Manipur (EGM) general secretary and Impact TV Chief Editor Yumnam Rupachandra recalled that EGM stood firmly behind Sarita when she was humiliated at the 2014 Incheon Asian Games.
EGM even launched a donation drive to help Sarita pay fine to the International Boxing Association.
It was not about money alone.
The campaign clearly demonstrated that the people of Manipur fully supported Sarita, he said.
EGM also took pro-active roles in organising Sarita's first international professional bout at Imphal, Rupachandra said.