HE WAS never aware of the impact his energetic bursts in the ring had on an entire generation of boxers. Dingko Singh never bothered about it. He was happily engrossed with his left hooks, demolishing pugilists ranked much higher in the world. That was his world until it came crashing down when the dreaded cancer challenged him for a bout.

 

Dingko fought hard, much like he fought to make a mark for himself in the world, but could not defeat the disease. At a young age of just 42, Dingko, the trailblazer, exited the ring, leaving behind an inspiring story for sportspersons aspiring to make it big. Dingko’s short but exceptional career had everything, from penury to high pinnacle, from meteoric rise to sudden fall. But he will be remembered for being the man who gave Indian boxing a great shape with the 1998 Asian Games gold medal. Dingko could not replicate that feat at other platforms but his fight was instrumental in changing the face of the game and giving India champions like M C Mary Kom and Vijender Singh. Dingko’s short but sensational career must be honoured by the country for being a watershed moment in Indian boxing.