Samuel hopes gold to be a stepping stone for India future
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Aizawl: In a remarkable display of grit and determination, 17-year-old
Samuel Zadeng
of Mizoram struck gold at the ongoing Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) 2025 in Bihar, clinching the top spot in the
boys' 70kg boxing category
.
His victory over Uttar Pradesh's Peaveen Yadav, secured by a commanding 5-0 unanimous decision, marked Mizoram's maiden medal at this edition of the national youth sporting event.Samuel's triumph is more than just a sporting milestone — it is a hard-earned reward for a youngster balancing athletic dreams with personal hardships.
Hailing from Aizawl's Bawngkawn locality, Samuel has been fighting a battle far beyond the boxing ring. His father, ZD Lalremsanga, a former national-level boxer, has been grappling with a serious neurological disorder since 2019, which has left the family dependent on a modest army pension and burdened with medical expenses.With limited resources for training and equipment, Samuel's pursuit of boxing excellence has been driven by sheer perseverance. His bronze at Youth National Boxing Championships in Greater Noida last month was a sign of his rising potential, and now, the Khelo India gold has propelled him into national attention."This medal is very special for me and my family. Getting into the Khelo India Scheme is my next goal. It would mean financial assistance and better training facilities, which we desperately need," Samuel said after his victory.If selected, the scheme will provide him with a monthly stipend of Rs 10,000, easing the family's financial strain and giving him access to structured coaching support. Samuel's journey to the top has been a gradual climb. A three-time silver medallist in the state-level competitions, he finally captured his first state gold this year, signalling a breakthrough in his young career.
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