Hero's welcome accorded to Suranjoy

Imphal, June 19: Asian Boxing Championship gold medallist Mayengbam Suranjoy Singh was accorded a warm welcome by the people of Manipur on his arrival at Imphal today.

Suranjoy, who clinched the flyweight category (51 kg) gold medal at the Asian championship held at China's Zhuhai from June 7 till 13, arrived at Tulihal Airport at around 9.15 am from where he was accompanied by a large number of enthusiastic supporters to SAI SAG Centre, Khuman Lampak Sports Complex.

At the felicitation programme hosted by SAI NERC, Imphal and attended by many SAI officials and sportspersons, Mayang Imphal Assembly Constituency MLA Dr Kh Ratankumar, who is also the chairman of MANIDCO, formally handed over a cash reward of Rs 50,000 in recognition of the 22 year old's accomplishment at the international arena.

Later in the day, Suranjoy also attended another reception programme jointly organised by Mayang Imphal Khuman Youth Association and All Uchiwa Development Association at Uchiwa Pakhangba Lampak.

A native of Mayang Imphal, Suranjoy ended India's 15 year gold medal drought at the Asian Championship with the triumph at the recently concluded Zhuhai championship.

Suranjoy's career collection, so far, include eight gold, one silver and same number of bronze medals at the National level competition while at the international level his haul has gone up to four yellow metal, five silver and two bronze medals.

Source: The Sangai Express

Another Story:

Imphal, June 19: His gold medal glittering in the sun and tears streaming down his face, Manipur’s very own Mike Tyson returned home today to a tumultuous welcome.

Boxer Mayengbam Suranjoy Singh has not only brought a gold medal — which he won at the Asian Boxing Championship held at Zhuhai in China — but also hope and joy for the state which has been wreaked by violence in recent times.

Suranjoy defeated Chinese boxer Li Chao 9-8 in the final of the 51kg bout at the boxing meet held from June 7-13.

It was truly a champion’s welcome as hundreds of fans, well-wishers and family members garlanded Suranjoy with tears of joy at Tulihal airport here this morning.

Amid the jostling, Suranjoy said, “This is just the beginning and I hope to repeat and better myself in future competitions.”

“This is an Asian ring but I hope to do better in the world championships and Olympics,” he added. The pugilist credited his success to his coach N. Ibomcha Singh, who had guided and nurtured him.

Suranjoy, a native of Uchiwa Leirak Achouba in Mayang Imphal, is a chief petty officer in the Indian Navy in Mumbai.

The crowd that was eagerly waiting at the airport went berserk as Suranjoy was heaved onto an enthusiastic fan’s shoulders.

Among those present at the airport were Mayang Imphal Congress legislator Kh. Ratankumar Singh along with erstwhile coach N. Ibomcha Singh and another boxing champion, Dingko Singh.

The boxer was later driven in an open jeep through the streets of Imphal. He also visited the Special Area Games complex at Khuman Lampak to express gratitude to his mentors and friends. Ratankumar presented him a cheque for Rs 50,000.

Suranjoy’s proud father, M. Inakhunba Singh, was speechless with delight. The state government will felicitate Suranjoy along with silver medallist Th. Nanao Singh, at the Khuman Lampak main stadium tomorrow morning.

Source: The Telegraph