Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 27 2010:
Sports Authoritiy of India's boxing coach Leishangthem Ibomcha Singh will be conferred the prestigious Dronacharya Award 2010 by the president of India on august 29 at New Delhi.
In honour of Ibomcha's contribution in the development of boxing sport and his acheivement as the only person from the entire north Eastern region to be selected for the highest award presented to a coach, SAI NER, Takyel will organise a reception programme on September 3 at SAI STC Indoor Hall at 2 pm, said a release.
The eldest son of Leishangthem Tomba and Yumnam (N) Tembi Devi of Sugnu Mamang Leikai, Ibomcha presently resides at Thongju Part-II Ningombam Leikai and has been associated with Manipur Amateur Boxing Association since 1980 as coach cum player.
ibomcha is credited with successfully moulding many pugilists from Manipur who went on to excel in competitions at the international level.
Among others MC Mary Kom, L Sarita Devi, Ng Dingko Singh, M Suranjoy Singh, S Suresh Singh, ZB Zollyson Tangkhul, L Chaoba Singh, A Lenin Meitei and more than 30 other male and female boxers of Manipur have trained under the watchful eyes of Ibomcha.
Ibomcha's boxing career is informed to have started in 1972 when he sparred with Army personnel at Sugnu High School ground before joining the Assam Regiment in Shillong six years later.