Young boxer Soneya Subba has brought pride to Sikkim after securing a bronze medal at the 5th U-15 Sub-Junior Girls & Boys National Boxing Championship, held at Lovely Professional University (LPU), Jalandhar, Punjab. The achievement marks another encouraging chapter for the Himalayan state’s growing boxing ecosystem and underlines the success of grassroots sports development programmes.
Competing in the 30–33 kg girls’ weight category, Soneya delivered a series of determined performances against some of India’s finest young boxers before finishing on the podium. Winning a national medal at the age-group level is considered an important milestone for any emerging boxer, providing valuable exposure to high-level competition.
Soneya trains at the Khelo India State Centre of Excellence (KISCE), Reshithang, after beginning her boxing journey at the Khelo India Centre in Soreng. Her steady rise reflects the impact of structured coaching, scientific training and regular competition opportunities provided under the Khelo India programme. Coaches and officials have credited her discipline and consistent improvement for the national success.
The bronze medal also highlights the growing strength of Sikkim’s youth boxing programme. In recent years, the state has invested in nurturing talented athletes through dedicated coaching centres and participation in national championships. Soneya’s achievement is expected to inspire more young athletes, particularly girls, to take up boxing as a competitive sport.
Before travelling to Punjab, Soneya earned her place in the state contingent after being selected by the Sikkim Amateur Boxing Association (SABA). She was among the promising young boxers chosen to represent Sikkim at one of India’s premier age-group boxing championships, which attracts participants from across the country.
Although Soneya is still in the early stages of her career, the latest medal suggests she is an athlete to watch in the coming years. Success at the U-15 level often serves as a stepping stone toward junior, youth and eventually senior national competitions.
For Sikkim, the medal is another positive sign that investments in grassroots sports infrastructure are beginning to deliver results. As more athletes emerge through the Khelo India pathway, the state continues to strengthen its reputation as a developing hub for boxing talent in Northeast India.
As she progresses through the junior ranks, more achievements and competitive appearances are likely to establish her profile on the national boxing circuit.