Dingko Singh dies: PM Modi condoles his death, says he was a sporting superstar, an outstanding boxer
Asian Games gold medal-winning former boxer Dingko Singh died on Thursday after a long battle with liver cancer. He was 42 and had been fighting the disease since 2017. Dingko Singh was bestowed with Arjuna award in 1998 and was awarded the Padma Shri in 2013.
In Short
- Dingko won the Asian Games gold in the 1998 edition in Bangkok
- PM Narendra Modi paid condolences to the family of Dingko Singh
- Dingko had recovered after testing Covid positive last year
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday condoled the demise of Asian Games gold medal-winning former boxer Dingko Singh. PM Modi said Dingko was a sporting superstar who contributed to furthering the popularity of boxing.
“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.
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. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 10, 2021
Singh, who inspired a generation of Indian pugilists with his swashbuckling ring craft and flamboyant personality, died on Thursday after a long battle with liver cancer. He was 42 and had been fighting the disease since 2017. He is survived by his wife Babai Ngangom, a son, and a daughter.
Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju also condoled the demise of former boxer Dingko Singh. He 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. RIP Dinko.”
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. RIP Dinko pic.twitter.com/MCcuMbZOHM — Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) June 10, 2021
The Manipur-based former boxer endured a long battle with cancer and even fought Covid-19 last year.
“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,” tweeted India’s first Olympic-medallist in boxing Vijender Singh.
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 — Vijender Singh (@boxervijender) June 10, 2021
Dingko, who was employed with Navy, had taken to coaching after hanging up his gloves. Singh was bestowed the Arjuna award in 1998 and was presented the nation’s fourth-highest civilian honour -- the Padma Shri -- in 2013.