Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 14 2009:
Sports fraternity of the State have lauded the outstanding performance of boxers Mayengbam Suranjoy and Thokchom Nanao in the just concluded Asian Boxing Championships at Zhuhai city, China.
Suranjoy won gold in the fly weight category ending a 15 year gold medal drought of the country in the continental championships.
Rajkumar Sangwan won the last gold for India in Asian Championship at Tehran in 1994.Suranjoy defeated Li Chao of China 9-8 in the final.
Despite showing a superb performance, Nanao had to settle for silver.
Vice-president of Indian Boxing Federation and general secretary of the All Manipur Boxing Association Khoibi Salam hailed the outstanding achievements of the two boxers.
He said that both the pugilists have bright future.
"We know their talents and fighting spirit for they began their boxing career in the State though both the boxers are in defence now", Khoibi said.
AMBA would be organising a grand reception at Imphal in honour of the two boxers, he said.
S Sakhihopal, a functionary of the Billiards and Snooker Association Maipur, said that the extraordinary performance of the two State pugilists would prove to be a big impetus to sports movement not only in Manipur but in the entire North East region.
Suranjoy (22) hails from Uchiwa in Imphal West district while Nanao belongs to Khoijuman in Bishnupur district.