Afi open nationals

Khelo India University Games: The lack of a certified coach did not deter discus thrower Oinam Alson Singh’s confidence in becoming the first gold medallist from Manipur University at the 4th edition of the Khelo India University Games 2023, Ashtalakshmi here.

Alson Singh, who took up the sport seriously towards the end of 2021, has so far been competing without a coach and banks on the advice of his uncles, who guide him about weight training and techniques of throwing. “This is my first Khelo India University Games appearance and I’m delighted to win a gold here. I didn’t know that I was the first from Manipur University to win gold. I have been supported by a lot of people but never had a professional coach, so it feels all the more fulfilling”, he said.

An injury in 2022 almost kept him out of action for nearly the entire season but he came back strongly at the AFI Open Nationals in Bengaluru last year. Alson’s performance in the tournament also earned him an offer from the Indian Navy for a sports officer’s post.