Imphal, July 1 A grand welcome was recently accorded to gold medallist, Mayengbam Suranjoy Singh of Manipur who gave India its first Asian Championship gold in 15 years at the Asian Boxing Championship held in China.

A reception ceremony was also held at the Khuman Lampak boxing complex organised by the SAI (NERC), where the boxer was greeted by sports lovers and onlookers. Another reception ceremony was organised in honour of the boxer at Mayang Imphal, Konchak Leikai.

Suranjoy Singh, son of M. Inakhunba Singh of Uchiwa Leirak Achouba, has brought accolade not only to the state but the country as a whole.

Born to the family of sportspersons, Suranjoy started his career as a football player, however his journey as a boxer started at the age of 15. His introduction to the sport was when he joined a boxing camp at Sagolband Lukram Leirak.

His confidence and determination is visible in his achievement and it has motivated him to strive for perfection in the years to come.

Suranjoy, who clinched the flyweight category of 51 kg, said, "I am very happy. This is just the beginning. I have a long way to go. This win is an encouragement and motivation for me to strive for excellence even in other competitions in the future," he said

Besides several Gold Medals at the State and National Level championships Suranjoy has also won a bronze medal in 2004 at the Junior World Championship.

Suranjoy's family is today proud of their son for bringing laurels to the country. They are hopeful that the younger generation would be encouraged by Suranjoy's success.

"I feel really proud of my son as he has brought fame not for Manipur but for the country as well. He got the opportunity to play in different state in the country and was chosen to even play at the international level as well. Now he has won and I feel really happy about his achievement," said Inakhunba Singh. By L. C. K Singh(ANI)