Boxing legend Dingko loses battle against cancer, many condole
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 10 2021: Legendary boxer and Asian Games gold medallist Ngangom Dingko Singh passed away on Thursday morning at his Sekta Mayai Leikai residence in Imphal East district after a long battle with liver cancer.

An Arjuna and Padma Shree awardee, Dingko had been fighting the disease since 2017 .

During his battle with cancer, the former bantamweight (54kg) boxer's health woes were compounded by a bout of jaundice and COVID-19 last year.

In 2020, he had to be airlifted to Delhi and later underwent radiation therapy at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS).

He is survived by his wife Babai Ngangom, a son and a daughter.

Dingko rose to fame after winning a gold medal at the 1998 Asian Games in Bangkok, the first ever from Manipur, where he got a wild entry in the last minute.

Dingko's gold was also the first in 16 years for Indian boxing after Kaur Singh's top finish at the regional showpiece's 1982 edition.

He was bestowed with the Arjuna award the same year.

In 2013, he was honoured with the Padma Shree for his contribution to the sport.

Dingko, who was employed with Navy, had taken to coaching after hanging up his gloves.

"We lost a legend," Olympic-bound boxer Vikas Krishan said summing up what he meant to Indian boxing.

Taking to his Twitter handle, chief minister N Biren Singh wrote: "I'm shocked and deeply saddened by the demise of Shri Dingko Singh earlier in the morning today.

A Padma Shree awardee, Dingko Singh was one of the most outstanding boxers Manipur has ever produced".

Biren added: "In his demise, we have lost a gem amongst our people whose achievements enabled us to stand with heads held high and who made us proud to be Manipuris.

Our memory of 'Dingko' will continue to inspire us and our children to rise to greater heights, unshackled by chains of poverty, pain and circumstances.

Join the people of Manipur in offering our sincerest condolences to his family and in sharing their grief.

May his soul rest in peace".

Dingko was born on January 15, 1979 at Sekta village in Imphal East district and though brought up in an orphanage his exploits in the ring brought laurels to the nation and Manipur, while inspiring many others to take up the sport.

President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, CAF&PD minister Th Satyabrata Singh, Rajya Sabha MP and titular king Leishemba Sanajaoba, Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee president Govindas Konthoujam, Manipur Amateur Karate-Do Association (MAKA), Manipur Mahila Kalyan Samiti, All Manipur Gorkha Students' Union, CPI Manipur State Council, Sports Authority of India Imphal regional director Francis Marwin and Social Sporting Club Sekta also condoled the untimely demise of Dingko.

Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju offered condolences on his demise along with the national federation and a host of Indian boxers, some of whom have only heard tales of his dazzling persona.

"I'm deeply saddened by the demise of Dingko Singh.

One of the finest boxers India has ever produced, Dingko's gold medal at 1998 Bangkok Asian Games sparked the Boxing chain reaction in India.

I extend my sincere condolences to the bereaved family.

RIP Dingko," tweeted Rijiju.

Sharing pictures with Dingko Singh, world boxing champion MC Mary Kom wrote, "You leave but your legacy will live among us, RIP" .

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and former CM Sarbananda Sonowal also condoled the pugilist's untimely demise.

Stating that Dingko Singh was an inspiration, boxer Jyoti Gulia also paid tribute to him.

Dingko's mortal remains was laid to rest at his native village.

Last year, he had also tested positive for COVID-19, but he recovered.

Despite facing adversities early in his life and being brought up in an orphanage, Dingko's achievements and contributions to the sports fraternity by becoming the first Indian to win the gold at Asian Games are immense and worth remembering.

It is a known fact that the former international boxer inspired generations of boxers in Manipur and beyond during his short lifetime.

(With inputs from agencies) .

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