Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 06 2010:
Under the sponsorship of four times world boxing champion MC Mary Kom, a sports section has been added to the Shamballei Shekpil School, Kumbi.
The school was established by Guinness World Record holder Moirangthem Okendra in Kumbi Pologround Street.
Oken's record is for owning/grooming the world's tallest topiary whose botanical name is Duranta Repens Linn, locally referred as Shamballei Shekpil.
Inaugural programme of the sports section was presided by All Manipur Working Journalists' Union president S Hemant.
In her address as the chief guest, Mary Kom expressed confidence that the sports section of the school would be able to support talented students in their ambition to excel in sports.
Assuring that apart from boxing gears all possible assistance would be extended to ensure availability of other sports kits/equipment, the champion pugilist also highlighted that she has established a boxing academy at the premises of her Langol residence in addition to opening an hostel exclusively for female boxers.
Asserting that the hostellers are being accorded treatment similar to family members, she said inspite of her achievements the same food (diet) is being shared with the boxing aspirants.
Mary kom also called upon the parents to send their wards to the academy.
In his address, S Hemant described Mary Kom's gesture as a great boost to enable talented sportspersons hone their skills and compete with the best in the world.
M Okendra, who is also the headmaster of the School, pledged to contribute his mite in the development of the students so as to assist them to excel in their field of choice.