Kovind, Modi lead in paying homage to late boxer

NEW DELHI/IMPHAL, Jun 10
Tributes poured in from all corners as 1998 Bangkok Asian Games gold medallist boxer Dingko Singh passed away at his home at Sekta Mayai Leikai.
President Ram Nath Kovind expressed his sorrow over Ngangom Dingko Singh's demise. "Ngangom Dingko Singh’s untimely demise has saddened me. He was a great boxer and an exceptional sportsperson. His life was brief but will remain inspiring to the youth, especially from Manipur, for long. My condolences to his family and fans."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took to Twitter to pay his last respects to the former Indian. The veteran boxer passed away on Thursday after a long battle with liver cancer.
"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," the Prime Minister tweeted.
Union Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, tweeted: "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. I extend my sincere condolences to the bereaved family."
Manipur’s Chief Minister N Biren Singh expressed his shock and sadness on his passing and talked of his contribution to boxing in India and Manipur.
“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,” he tweeted.
YAS Minister Letpao Haokip and CAF & PD Minister  Th Satyabrata Singh also extended their heartfelt condolences to the family, colleagues and friends of the Asian gold winning pugilist.
In their condolence messages, the  Ministers said that Dingko displayed the highest level of sportsmanship in representing the country and portrayed his dedication to sports and to life. The Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC);  Communist Party of India, Manipur State Council; Manipur Mahila Kalyan Samiti also mourned the demise of Dingko Singh.
The Director of State Youth Affairs and Sports on behalf of the Directorate also offered deepest condolences on the passing of former boxer Ngangom Dingko Singh.
Director, SAI-NERC Imphal, Francis Marwein; Deputy Director, Lianminthang and Dronacharya Awardee, Leishangthem Ibomcha; Assistant Director, Madhav Wanave; In-Charge of National Centre of Excellence, Nilamani; Head of Sports Science, Lokendra; renowned coaches and staff or SAI-NERC also expressed shock and shared grief over the demise of the former boxing coach.
The Manipur Amateur Boxing Association and the Manipur Amateur Karate-Do Association also mourned the demise of the late soul.
The associations not only recalled the achievements of the late boxer and coach but also shared grief of the bereaved family members.
Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Dingko Singh was not only one of India’s finest boxers but a sensation who put boxing on the sports map of the country. Saddened at the untimely death of the legend. My deepest condolences to his family and millions of fans."
Six-time world champion Mary Kom also paid her respects to Singh. "You were a true hero of our Nation. You leave but your legacy will live among us. RIP #DingkoSingh," she tweeted.
Professional boxer Vijender Singh also remembered Dingko Singh on his passing. "My sincerest condolences on this loss May his life's journey and 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 and mourning."
Dingko Singh was suffering from liver cancer for a long time. He had to be airlifted to Delhi from Imphal for treatment. He was diagnosed with coronavirus, but the former boxer recovered soon.
Former hockey player Viren Rasquinha called Dingko a “real superstar" and said he will always be remembered.
“Really sad news of the passing away of Dingko Singh,1998  Asian Games Boxing Gold medallist. Just 42 years old. Too soon. A real superstar. Got to know him well when he coached Sarita Devi. His commitment to boxing was special. Go well my friend. You will always be remembered," he said.
Wrestler Sangram Singh also took to Twitter to pay his respects and said, “Champion #DingkoSingh is no more. He was struggling with liver cancer since long time. Pray to his Soul & strength to family. Reality of Life. Om Shanti."