Boxer Yesika Rai wins first gold for Sikkim in North East Olympic Games

DICHEN ONGMU

GANGTOK, : Boxer Yesika Rai has won first gold medal for Sikkim in 2nd North East Olympic Games being held at Shillong Tuesday.
Yesika had clinched the gold medal in 45 to 48 kg weight category in finals against Mizoram boxer Lalrinchhani Pautu. She won the bout with the one-sided match with 5-0 points.
Yesika was also honoured with the ‘Best Boxer of the Tournament’ in the female category.
A second year student of the Kamrang Government College, Namchi, Yasika Rai is the daughter of Mahesh Kumar Rai and Bhaiyatri Rai of Omchu, Kamrang, Namchi.
A product of Namchi Boxing Club, Yasika started her boxing career under, well-known NIS boxing coach, Mukesh Rai, since last 4 years.
Looking back to career performances, Yasika has been found perfect in techniques, skills and stamina inside the ring. In her last appearance in Khelo India Youth Games, she lost to a Haryana boxer in quarterfinal round. She is also a State-level gold medallist.  
“This medal will definitely motivate me for national level boxing championship in coming days,” said Yesika. She thanked her coach and her mentors Mukesh Rai, Subhash Tamang and Sandhya Gurung, Roshni Pradhan and Anoj Pradhan for guiding her to win the medal.
Overall, the Sikkim boxing team has won six medals including one gold, one silver medal and four bronze. A total of 17 boxers (9 Boys and 8 girls) have participated in eight different weight categories.
SABA in association with Sikkim Olympic Association has organized a coaching camp under guidance of Dronacharya awardee Sandhya Gurung, Anoj Pradhan, Subhash Tamang and Roshni Pradhan at Gangtok and Namchi.
SBA president and Arjuna Awardee Jaslal Pradhan and SOA president Kuber Bhandari have congratulated Yasika Rai and entire team management for the achievement.
It is to be mentioned here that Tashi Tshering Bhutia and Papu Pradhan have represented Sikkim as referee and judge in the North East Olympic Games.
The women’s basketball team has won second gold for Sikkim in the North East Olympic Games.
The boxers who won the medals are as under:
1. Yasika Rai (Kamrang): Gold (45 - 48 Kg)
2. Simran Pradhan (Namchi): Silver (48-50 Kg)
3. Punzal Pradhan (Gangtok): Bronze (48-51kg)
4. Pravesh Tamang (Gangtok): Bronze (63.5 -67 kg)
5. Som Maya Subba (Singtam): Bronze (57-60 kg)
6. Pema Ongmu Bhutia (Gangtok): Bronze (63-66 kg)