Dingko Singh: Former Indian Boxer Asian Games Gold medallist dies at 42

Former Indian boxer Dingko Singh who was the Asiad gold medallist boxer died on Thursday after a long battle with liver cancer. He won the Gold medal in 13th Asian Games held in the year 1998 in Bangkok, Thailand. Dingko Singh was born on 1 January 1979  and died at the age of 42. He is survived by his wife Babai Ngangom, a son and a daughter.

He was awarded the Arjuna award in 1998 and the fourth highest civilian honour the Padma Shri in the year 2013.

Dingko was from the Indian state Manipur. This great boxer had been fighting the liver cancer since 2017. He had to sell his house in Imphal to raise money for his cancer treatment. It was really the toughest phase of Dingo’s life. Dingo Singh had to leave his Govt. job at the NIS in Patiala to undergo a surgery in January 2017. In the year 2017 a large part of his liver was removed. In 2020, Dingko Singh had contracted COVID-19, but recovered.

Former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir who is known for many social works provided financial support while the boxer struggled to raise funds for his treatment.

Dingko was the inspiration for many Indian boxers such as six-time world champion M C Mary Kom, Sarita Devi and Vijender Singh.

Reacting to the sad demise of the boxer, Vijender Singh, M C Mary Kom and various other famous personality including Indian Prime Minister and Sports Minister of India Twitted.

Vijender Singh the Indian Boxer and Olympic Medalist twitted as: “My sincerest condolences on this loss May his life’s journey & struggle forever remain a source inspiration for the upcoming generations. I pray that the bereaved family finds the strength to overcome this period of grief & mourning 🙏🏽 #dinkosingh”

Mary Kom reacted on twitter as: “You were a true hero of our nation. You leave but your legacy will live among us. RIP #DingkoSingh“.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted on Thursday, “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.”

It was really a great loss for India. The prominent boxer was also a Sports Authority of India coach in Imphal.