Convincing Powers!

World Youth Boxing Champion Nanao Singh’s first coach Chingkhei reveals how he had to cajole the boxer’s father to allow him TO pursue the sport seriously

Suhrid Barua Pune Mirror, November 3, 2008

Pune: Even as Thokchom Nanao Singh threw a fusillade of punches on World Cadet Championship bronze medallist Grigoriy Nikolaychuk of Russia en route to a clinical 15-5 gold medal triumph at the inaugural AIBA World Youth Boxing Championships in Guadalajara, Mexico, there was one man who was jumping for joy at his native state of Manipur.

Yelam Chingkhei Lumba, the man who first evinced interest in Nanao to wear the boxing gloves (during his early days in Manipur) is experiencing a top-of-the-world kind of feeling to see his ward make it big on the world stage. “It gives me immense joy to see Nanao winning the World Youth Championships gold. He has always had it in him to reach the summit and he proved it in no uncertain terms. I’m running short of words to describe this brilliant feat,” gushes Chingkhei, barely able to hide his delight.

‘REMEMBERING That day’

The 40-year-old coach took the Army Sports Institute (ASI) boxer under his wings when he was only ten-years old. Even today, Chingkhei lucidly remembers how he had to use his ‘convincing powers’ to make Nanao’s father, Totobi Singh understand the significance of allowing his son pursue boxing. “Totobi strongly disapproved Nanao taking up boxing seriously. Nanao turned defiant to his father’s opposition towards boxing and started bunking school classes,” Chingkhei recounts.

How the ice was broken

Nanao’s first boxing guru revealed how the ice was broken. “Totobi one day brought Nanao along with him to the Bishnupur District Amateur Boxing Association training centre. It was here that I was able to convince Nanao’s father that he should be encouraged to pursue boxing because I knew this boy had all the right attributes to corner glory on the world stage,” added Chingkhei who is employed with Manipur Home Guards.

So has he been able to sent a congratulatory sms or call Nanao? “No, not yet. I only have his cell number which isn’t functioning as he is abroad. But Nanao did call me when he was at the Delhi airport before his departure for the World Championships. He wanted to seek my blessings and I told him not to be satisfied with the Commonwealth Youth Games gold medal and go for the gold in Mexico,” Chingkhei added.

Though it’s still early days for Nanao, Chingkhei wants him to follow the Vijender way. “Vijender made the country proud in Beijing. Now, I want Nanao not just to get a medal in 2012 Olympics but win that coveted yellow metal,” he added.