Samuel Zadeng, a 17-year-old boxer from Mizoram, has recently made headlines by securing a gold medal at the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) in Bihar. This victory not only put Mizoram on the medal tally but also marked a significant personal achievement for the young athlete.
Zadeng's journey is deeply rooted in boxing, with his father, ZD Lalrensanga, being a former national-level boxer. Following in his father's footsteps, Zadeng's gold medal win in the boys' 70kg category at the KIYG is a major step forward in his ambition to make a name for himself in the sport. In the final, he showcased his skills and determination, achieving a unanimous 5-0 victory over Peaveen Yadav of Uttar Pradesh. Sagar Thakur of Himachal Pradesh and Anshul Khasa of Haryana secured the bronze medals in the same weight category.
Beyond the personal glory, Zadeng's sights are set on securing a spot in the Khelo India Scheme. This scheme would provide him with a monthly stipend of ₹10,000 and access to better training facilities, which would significantly ease the financial strain on his family. Since 2019, his father has been battling a neurological condition that requires constant medical attention, consuming a large portion of the family's income. Zadeng's determination to join the Khelo India Scheme is driven by his ambition and his family's circumstances. Speaking after his victory, Zadeng expressed his focus on getting into the Khelo India Scheme, emphasizing that it would alleviate pressure on his family and provide him with a platform for growth as a boxer.
The Khelo India Youth Games, the seventh edition which is currently underway and will be held from May 4 to 15, 2025, across five cities in Bihar and New Delhi, serves as a platform for identifying and nurturing young talents in various sports. This year, approximately 5,000 athletes from 36 states and Union Territories are expected to participate in 28 sports, including indigenous disciplines and esports as a demonstration sport. The KIYG operates in a team championship format, where medals earned by individual athletes contribute to the overall medal tally of their respective state or Union Territory. The state or UT with the highest number of gold medals is declared the winner.
In the broader context of the KIYG, Haryana and Delhi have historically been dominant forces. Haryana, in particular, has a strong sporting culture and infrastructure, consistently producing top athletes. At the 6th edition of the Khelo India Youth Games 2024, Haryana secured the third position with 35 gold, 22 silver, and 46 bronze medals. Maharashtra topped the medal tally with 57 gold medals, followed by Tamil Nadu with 38 gold medals. New Delhi will host shooting, gymnastics and track cycling events.
The Khelo India program was introduced by the Indian Government in January 2018 to revive the sports culture in India at the grass-root level by building a strong framework for all sports played in the country and establish India as a great sporting nation. Under the Khelo India Scheme, 1,000 athletes are awarded an annual scholarship of ₹5 lakh for eight years to help prepare them for international competitions. Medal winners at Khelo India events will also be eligible for government jobs, providing further incentive for youth to pursue sports professionally.
