Zoramthanga (boxer)

Zoramthanga (boxer) Biography

Zoramthanga was an Indian amateur boxer who is best remembered as the first Indian to win a bronze medal at the Boxing World Cup. He won a bronze medal in the light flyweight category at the 6th Boxing World Cup in Mumbai in 1990. Following the win, the Government of Mizoram made him the Sports Promotion Officer of the state. He retired two years later. His name is also credited as Zoram Thanga and T. Zoramthanga. However his birth name is Run Nawn Thang, and he lived during 1963-2005 in Mizoram. He died at the age of only 42.

Born as Run Nawn Thang, Zoramthanga was born to a Chin family in Selawn village in Myanmar. His family moved to Tithim village later. He joined Myanmar Army and also took up boxing as profession. He moved to Mizoram for better career opportunities. He also changed his name for this purpose. His professional career began in 1985 and he retired in 1992. During his debut year of boxing he won a gold medal at the Mizoram-Myanmar Champhai Border Championships. Since then he participated in several national and international boxing championships for Mizoram. He also represented several international championships for team India.

In World Amateur Boxing Championships held in Moscow in 1989, he lost to Rogelio Marcelo in the quarter finals. It was his best performance till then. He represented India at the 1990 Commonwealth Games in Auckland and lost in the second round. In the 6th Boxing World Cup in Mumbai in 1990, he created history by winning a bronze medal. He lost to champion Eric Griffin of United States in the semi-finals to claim a medal.

Published: January 14, 2019

Updated: January 14, 2019