Asian Games Gold medallist boxer Dingko Singh from Manipur passed away on Thursday morning. 

The 1998 Asian Games Gold medallist bantamweight boxer was battling liver cancer from a long time. 

Dingko Singh had also tested positive for COVID-19 last year, but later recovered. 

Last year, Dingko Singh was flown to New Delhi for his cancer radiation treatment. 

Dingko Singh was bestowed the Arjuna Award in 1998 and was presented the Padma Shri Award in 2013.   

Dingko Singh was just 42 years old at the time of his demise. 

Messages of condolences poured in soon after the news of demise of the legendary boxer broke. 

Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh tweeted: “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.” 

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma tweeted: “The demise of very young N Dingko Singh, an Asian Games gold medalist in boxing, has left me deeply pained. Hailing from Manipur, Padma Shri Dingko inspired a generation of boxers from the North East. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family at this irreparable loss.”

Boxer Vijender Singh tweeted, “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.” 

Union Sports 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. RIP Dinko.” 

Former Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal tweeted: “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.” 

Dingko Singh was born on January 1, 1979 at Sekta village in Imphal East District of Manipur. 

He made his debut into the arena of International Boxing in 1997, and won the King’s cup 1997 held at Bangkok, Thailand. 

Dingko Singh was also serving the Indian Navy as Master Chief Petty Officer.