Former Asian Games gold medalist boxer Ngangom Dingko Singh passed away early Thursday morning, June 10, at his Sekta Mayai Leikai residence, in Imphal, after battling a prolonged illness. He was 42.
Dingko Singh had liver cancer; he received treatment in 2017. He was also tested positive for Covid-19 last year but had recovered.
As the news of Dingko’s demise broke, condolence messages poured in from all corners; PM Modi also condoled on his demise and called the late boxer a “sporting superstar”.
“Shri Dingko Singh was a sporting superstar, an outstanding boxer who earned several laurels and also contributed to furthering the popularity of boxing—saddened by his passing away. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti”, PM Modi tweeted.
Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh took to Twitter and said, “I’m shocked and deeply saddened by the demise of Shri N Dingko Singh earlier in the morning today. A Padma Shri awardee, Dingko Singh was one of the most outstanding boxers Manipur has ever produced. My sincere condolences to the bereaved family. May his soul rest in peace.
Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju also offered condolences on his demise and said, “I’m deeply saddened by the demise of Shri Dingko Singh. One of the finest boxers India has ever produced, Dinko’s gold medal at 1998 Bangkok Asian Games sparked the Boxing chain reaction in India.”
Dingko Singh won the gold medal in 1998 at the 13th Asian Games, Bangkok ending India’s 16 years medal drought in the Asian Games.
He was also Manipur’s first Asian Games gold medalist.
Dingko Singh started his boxing career under L. Ibomcha Singh in 1990 at the SAI, Khuman Lampak Sports Complex, Imphal. In 1995, he also joined the Indian Navy.
He was bestowed with the Arjuna award in 1998 and conferred with Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, in 2013, for his outstanding contribution to Indian sports.
