In the scenic town of Mokokchung, Nagaland, a boxing revolution is taking place, spearheaded by a group of passionate and dedicated coaches. With a shared goal of promoting the sport of boxing and nurturing young talents, these coaches have come together to conduct a Free Boxing Coaching Camp, offering the youth an opportunity to hone their skills and develop a love for the sport.
Let’s delve into the lives of these exceptional coaches who are leaving no stone unturned to make a mark in the world of boxing.
The camp commenced on 19 July 2023 and will conclude on 29 July 2023.
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Coach Akum Imchen – A Boxing Legacy of Discipline and Dedication
Coach Akum Imchen, a man who claims that boxing runs through his veins, and for good reason.
Born into a legacy of boxing, Coach Akum’s father, Late Anokwaba, was a respected boxing coach in the Nagaland Police during the late 1970s. The sport was an integral part of the family’s history, and it was no surprise that young Akum embraced boxing with unwavering enthusiasm and love.
Despite his day job as a Librarian at Nagaland Bible College in Artang Ward, Coach Akum’s heart remains deeply connected to the sweet science of boxing. For him, boxing goes beyond just physical activity; it is a way of life that fosters discipline, self-control, and a healthy mind-body connection.
As a seasoned boxing practitioner himself, Coach Akum understands the immense value of the sport in nurturing well-rounded individuals. He firmly believes that boxing channels energy away from anti-social activities, transforming young talents into disciplined and focused individuals who positively contribute to society.
With the support of the Boxing Association Mokokchung (BAM), Coach Akum is resolute in his belief that the association should continue its commendable work of exploring and promoting young talents. He acknowledges that with the right guidance and support, Mokokchung has the potential to produce outstanding boxers who can rival those from other states, notably Mizoram, which has gained acclaim for its boxing prowess.
As the Free Boxing Coaching Camp welcomes eager young participants, Coach Akum offers them invaluable advice, distilled into two simple phrases: “Be disciplined, be punctual.” These words encapsulate the essence of his coaching philosophy, emphasizing the significance of discipline in the pursuit of excellence both inside and outside the boxing ring.
The legacy of Coach Akum Imchen is one of dedication to the sport he cherishes and a determination to instill the same values in the aspiring boxers of Mokokchung. Through his guidance, the coaching camp becomes a fertile ground for the growth of not only boxing skills but also character and determination.
Coach Tongpangnokcha – The Young Pugilist and MMA Fighter
Among the youngest coaches at the Free Boxing Coaching Camp, Coach Tongpangnokcha has already proven his mettle as a skilled pugilist and MMA fighter. Hailing from the tranquil village of Changki, Coach Tongpangnokcha’s passion for boxing ignited more than six years ago when he took up the gloves under the tutelage of the late Sir Tako, a distinguished professional boxer from the Nagaland Police department. Under the guidance of his mentor, Coach Tongpangnokcha honed his skills and developed a love for the sweet science of boxing.
In 2017, Coach Tongpangnokcha made his presence in the Nagaland Olympics Games held in Dimapur, where he showcased his exceptional boxing prowess and clinched the Bronze Medal. The achievement not only validated his talent but also fueled his determination to excel further in the sport he had grown to love.
However, Coach Tongpangnokcha’s ambitions didn’t end with traditional boxing. He proved his versatility as an athlete by venturing into the realm of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). In 2015, he participated in the MMA tournament at the Mokokchung Multipurpose Indoor Stadium and impressed everyone with his skills, securing the Silver Medal.
For Coach Tongpangnokcha, boxing is not just a sport; it is a way of life. He firmly believes that boxing plays a vital role in maintaining physical fitness, instilling discipline, and fostering boundless energy. His passion for the sport shines through as he dedicates himself to nurturing the next generation of boxers in the Free Boxing Coaching Camp.
As one of the youngest coaches in the camp, his journey from being an aspiring pugilist to a respected instructor serves as a beacon of hope for the aspiring boxers who look up to him. Coach Tongpangnokcha’s journey also highlights the significance of mentorship and the impact a supportive coach can have on an athlete’s development.
Grateful to the Boxing Association Mokokchung (BAM) for promoting the sport he cherishes, Coach Tongpangnokcha commends the Association for its systematic approach in propelling boxing to new heights in the region. He acknowledges that BAM’s efforts are steering the sport in the right direction and nurturing future champions.
With humility and a genuine passion for teaching, Coach Tongpangnokcha offers some heartfelt advice to the young boxers attending the coaching camp. “Enjoy the coaching camp,” he says, encouraging them to relish every moment of their training. Emphasizing the importance of discipline, he urges the youngsters to view boxing as a means of self-defense, stressing that the acquired skills should never be misused.
Master Mongsen Longkumer – The Kickboxing Champion
Master Mongsen Longkumer, a National Level Gold Medalist in kickboxing and a Black Belt 1st Dan, is spearheading the Free Boxing Coaching Camp organized by the Boxing Association Mokokchung (BAM).
With over two decades of experience in kickboxing, Master Mongsen is a living testament to the dedication and passion that the sport demands. His journey to mastery has seen him achieve numerous accolades, including a Gold Medal in a prestigious state-level tournament held in Dimapur.
Master Mongsen’s vision transcends his own accomplishments. As he gazes at the world of boxing, he envisions a realm of untapped potential for Nagas. According to him, boxing offers vast opportunities for the Naga people to excel, given the multiple weight categories that cater to diverse talents. Encouraging aspiring boxers attending the free coaching camp, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and a robust physique to thrive in the sport.
With an unwavering commitment to nurturing young talents, Master Mongsen believes that the ongoing coaching camp, catering to children aged 5 to 16 years, will lay the foundation for producing future Naga boxing champions. He recognizes that the formative years are crucial in honing skills, discipline, and dedication.
The Boxing Association Mokokchung deserves accolades for its efforts in reviving the sport of boxing in the district. Master Mongsen expresses deep appreciation for the association’s enthusiasm and dedication, confident that their collective efforts will bear fruit. He envisions a future where Mokokchung district will be renowned for producing exceptional boxers who will shine on the national stage.
As the coaching camp progresses, Master Mongsen Longkumer’s mentorship and expertise will undoubtedly shape the aspirations of the young boxers. His own journey from Mopungchuket to becoming a National Level Gold Medalist inspires a new generation of athletes to believe in their potential and embrace the challenges of the boxing ring.
Read more: BAM free boxing camp in Mokokchung gets overwhelming turnout 103 young enthusiasts register
