By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Despite the fact that Meghalaya and the wider North East are blessed with talented youth who can achieve much, the lack of proper infrastructure and platforms for development are a drawback to these aspiring sport stars of the region, Indian boxer Shiva Thapa observed.
In his visit to Shillong to attend the 7th Lamlynti Annual Boxing Competition held at Mawlai here on Saturday, the silver medallist of the Youth Olympic Games 2010 and the youngest Indian boxer to qualify for the 2012 London Olympics said “What I have noticed here today is a highly-spirited attitude of the young people who can become great boxers one day, but it seems they lack proper platform to channel their talents,” he said.
Speaking to The Shillong Times here on Saturday, Thapa said “It is the duty of the government as guardians to make sure that the youth are given the right opportunity to pursue their dreams and make the state and the region proud.”
Meghalaya’s own Torak Kharpran stated that “I have seen him in the ring, got inspired by his moves and subsequently sought his advice many a times and being my senior, he has always been there for me.”
Thapa, who is originally from Guwahati, stated that his motive to visit Shillong is to promote the sport in the state and to encourage young talented boxers to work hard as “I believe from personal experience that it is a key to success,” he said.
When asked about the capability of the youth of the state in this field, the young boxer said, “Besides football, the youth of this state show immense interest in boxing and they are good at it too. What they need is proper training and proper coaching to reach the top.”
Thapa said that the government should take the initiative to invest in sports and sporting activities besides encouraging talent from the rural areas, too.
“A star may be born from the remotest area of the state,” he said.
In his message to the youth, the boxing star called upon young people to work hard and take part in events such as these while asking them to stay away from drugs.
Meanwhile, the competition organised by the Lamlynti Boxing Club of Mawlai kicked off on Friday and concluded on Saturday. The competition saw the participation of around 71 boys and 10 girls.
Pynskhem Nonglait from Iewrynghep was adjudged as the best boxer among the boys, while the best girl was Mohini Rymbai of Nongkwar.