TSE presents the man behind Nanao's feat
Chingkheilumba
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 11 2008: Though it was under his tutelage that Thokchom Nanao, who won gold medal in the AIBA Youth World Boxing Championship held at Godalajara in Mexico recently, learnt the techniques of the game while young, Yelam Chingkheilumba is today leading his life merely as a sepoy of Home Guard far away from the boxing ring.

But his pupil, Thokchom Nanao still remembers him saying "I have come up to this stage because of Oja Chingkhei."

Mentor Chingkheilumba

In an exclusive chat with The Sangai Express, 48-year old Yelam Chingkheilumba, a resident of Chingmeirong Laipham Khunou, recounted that way back in 1998 when the Manipur Amateur Boxing Association and one of its chief functionaries Khoibi Salam entrusted him with the responsibility of popularising the game of boxing in Manipur, he visited every villages and localities to encourage young boys and girls to take up boxing and taught them the techniques of the game.

Dedicating himself to the cause of popularising the game, he travelled to different parts of Thoubal, Bishnupur, Churachandpur, Senapati and Ukhrul districts scouting for talents.

He also conducted coaching for boxing in different parts of Imphal East district.

'When I made it a mission to popularise boxing, it was not for monetary gain.

However, there were some people who came forward to extend assistance to further the cause.

Today, I am very happy over thinking that my efforts as well as that of the Association has not gone wasted and we have been able to produce an International boxing champion, '' he said.

About his training session with Nanao, the teacher recalled that the young boy learnt very quickly.

"We were optimistic that he would excel himself one day," Chingkheilumba added.

Now a father of two kids, in his hey days, Chingkheilumba was himself a formidable boxer winning gold, silver and bronze medals at the National, East Zone and State level.

However, after entering wedlock and in the struggle for survival, the game of boxing which he loved was given the back seat.

After trying his luck at every possible jobs, he was on the brink of desperation when he was selected for the job of a sepoy in the Home Guard at the pay scale of Rs 2600 per month.

Without complaining anything, he took up the job and has been sustaining his family with the meagre salary received at the end of every month since then.

"Even though I would like to teach boxing to more and more young to more and more young boys and girls, I could do so as most of my time is consumed in performing the duty of a Home Guard regardless of night and day', he said with sadness.

'At one time, I was really determined to set up a boxing team of the Manipur Police, but that could not be accomplished.

It has remained just a dream', he recalled.

When asked whether he would take up teaching boxing again if his livelihood is secured, Chingkheilumba replied in the affirmative saying promptly 'Yes, definitely.

I would tour every localities, villages.

But it is only the question of livelihood that has kept me away from the boxing gloves and ring'.

When contacted, Thokchom Nanao, who is currently staying at Army Sports Club, Pune, said he would remember his Oja Chingkhei throughout his life.

'It is because of what Oja Chingkhei had taught me, that I have been able to reach this stage', the pupil said.