To promote budding pugilists, Manipur organises state level boxing championship

Over 300 pugilists, including 113 female players, participated in a three-day long state level boxing championship held at the Khuman Lampak stadium in Manipur.

The tournament was organised by the Manipur Amateur Boxing Association with an aim to promote young budding boxers.

Participants competed in different categories like sub junior, junior, senior, sub junior girls, junior girls and senior girls.

Many Manipuris have taken up boxing after getting inspired by champion pugilists like Suranjoy Singh and Mary Kom.

"I saw Suranjoy Singh playing at the Common Wealth Games in 2010. So, even I want to play like him and I want to play in the Olympics in my future," said Yaiphaba, who participated in the tournament.

"I want to become a famous boxer like Mary Kom," said Ranjita, another aspiring player.

After a tough fight, Imphal's West District became the overall team champion, winning 21 gold, 4 silver and 15 bronze medals.

The North East has produced several boxing icons like Mary Kom, Shiva Thapa and Devendro Singh, who have won medals for the country at the international level.