4th Governor's Cup Boxing Championship underway
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 08 2026: The 4th Governor's Cup Boxing Championship 2026 kickstarted today at Khuman Lampak under the aegis of the Manipur Amateur Boxing Association.

The opening ceremony was graced by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla as the chief guest, alongside Home and YAS Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh, Mayang Imphal MLA Kongkham Robindro Singh, and several prominent sports personalities.

Running until November 15, 2026, the eight-day tournament features fierce competition across multiple age categories, including Under-15 boys and girls, Under-17 boys and girls, Under-19 men and women, and the Elite men and women divisions.

The championship aims to provide a robust competitive platform for both emerging and established boxers, nurturing grassroots talent while promoting the sport across the State.

4th Governor's Cup Boxing Championship underway

Addressing the gathering, Governor Bhalla highlighted Manipur's rich boxing legacy and lauded the achievements of the state's pugilists at national and international arenas.

He noted that Manipur has consistently produced Olympians, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games medallists, as well as prestigious Arjuna and Dronacharya Award recipients.

Emphasising the critical need to sustain this momentum, the Governor called for high-quality coaching, scientific training modules, upgraded sporting infrastructure, and expanded competitive opportunities for local athletes.

He further urged the participating boxers to uphold the core values of discipline, courage, and true sportsmanship, reminding them that the character built through sports is just as valuable as winning medals.

Expressing optimism that the championship would discover future champions, the Governor later witnessed the opening bout of the tournament.

The opening day of the championship saw Tensubam Philips, Md Aslam Khan, Huidrom Malem, and Yangsangmi HS secure their berths in the U15 boys' 46 kg category quarterfinals.

Tensubam Philips of STC-Utlou edged out Sarungbam Daniel (IND) in a close 3-2 split decision, while Md Aslam Khan of MSBA booked his quarterfinal ticket with a dominant 5-0 unanimous decision victory over Rounak Hodam of PBA .

In other pre-quarterfinal bouts of the same category, Huidrom Malem of SRBA-A sealed an easy 5-0 win over N Lanchenba of SGC, while Yangsangmi HS of SRBA-B pulled off a similar 5-0 victory over Barun Leitanthem (IND) to make his way into the last eight.

Meanwhile, the pre-quarterfinal bouts of the U15 boys' 40 kg category witnessed highly competitive action.

Mairembam Ramananda of STC-Utlou beat Laishram Joyngamba (IND) 4-1 via a split decision, while Laishram Alex of SRBA-A stopped Leiphrakpam Mangal (IND) via an RSC (Referee Stops Contest) verdict.

Maibam Ronald (IND) also ground out a narrow 3-2 split decision win over NSA's Hangoibam Srinivash Sharma, and Athokpam Inunganba of MKRBF crushed Tarun Soibam (IND) 5-0 via a unanimous decision.

In the U15 boys' 49 kg category, Lamjingba Ningombam (IND) edged past Soibam Tarun (IND) 3-2 via a split decision in a pre-quarterfinal clash.

Earlier, in a preliminary round match of the same weight class, Serto Ngirkhupreng Kom of MKRBF advanced after receiving a walkover from Oinam Nungshiba of NBA .