National Games 2023: Supported by her adopted family, Sikkim boxer Pemlaki eyes first-ever medal

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The National Games serves as a significant platform for emerging boxers to showcase their potential and make a compelling case for advancement in the sport. Pemlaki Bhutia, a determined young pugilist from Sikkim, is among those aspiring talents who aspire to clinch their maiden medal at this prestigious event.

Pemlaki's journey to the boxing ring is nothing short of inspiration. She first fell in love with the sport when she witnessed the iconic MC Mary Kom clinch the bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics.

This remarkable achievement by Mary Kom left an indelible mark on Pemlaki and fueled her dreams of becoming a boxer. However, her early years were devoid of the necessary infrastructure and training facilities for boxing in her hometown of Namchi in South Sikkim.

This pause in her pursuit of the sport lasted for two years until fate intervened in the form of her adoption by Tilok Kumar Pondyal, an Assistant Superintendent of Police with the state police force.

Pemlaki shared her heartwarming experience of being adopted by her new family: "I was five or six when I was adopted by my new parents, and they are very much supportive of my choices.

We are five siblings, two brothers, and three sisters, and we share a strong bond. There hasn't been any instance in my life till now when they have not supported me. My parents would ensure all the happiness for me like they do with the other siblings."

Pemlaki's early life was marked by personal tragedy as she lost her biological mother during her infancy and was initially raised by her father. Later, she found herself in the loving care of a nearby family she had grown fond of during her daily trips to fetch milk.

Her memories of that time are hazy, but the warmth and love she received from this family were unforgettable. It was on one such occasion that her new father proposed the idea of her staying with them permanently, and from that moment, she became a part of a new, loving family.

While her siblings excelled in academics, Pemlaki was naturally inclined towards sports, and it was the memory of Mary Kom's historic Olympic medal, India's first in women's boxing, that sparked her dreams of a career in the sport.

The opportunity came knocking when her school teacher sought students to participate in the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Abhiyan, a central-sponsored initiative initiated by the Indian government in February 2014.

At the age of 13, Pemlaki seized the chance to pursue boxing. Her commitment and talent were evident as she secured a silver medal in the 32kg category, the highest for children of her age.

This initial success opened doors for her as she was selected to train at the Sports Authority of India center. Within a couple of months, she secured her second medal, this time a gold, which further fueled her aspirations and made her family believe in her potential.

Pemlaki's journey continued with notable achievements, including a silver at the inaugural North East Olympic Games (NEOG) in Imphal in 2018, leading to her selection for the national youth camp in 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic brought new challenges, and online coaching became the norm for athletes worldwide.

In 2022, Pemlaki made a remarkable comeback, clinching a gold medal and earning the title of 'Best Boxer' at the State boxing championship held in Soreng, West Sikkim.

Now aiming to represent India at the senior level, Pemlaki Bhutia is setting her sights on making her mark in the 57kg category at the 37th National Games in Goa. Her inspiring journey, bolstered by her adopted family's unwavering support, exemplifies the power of determination and perseverance in the pursuit of one's dreams.