Kolkata: Indian boxer and Olympian, Shakti Mazumdar, who participated in the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, passed away at the age of 90 at his Ballygunge residence in Kolkata on Friday. He succumbed to a heart attack.
Mazumdar, who was known as SM in the Indian boxing circuit, was a product of legendary coach Ajoy Sinha ( Ballygunge Institute ).
The flyweight category boxer, who had a record knockout wins, was famous for his powerful punch. He dominated the domestic circuit in those days of domestic Indian boxing.
In the Helsinki Olympics, In his first fight, he defeated Nguyen Van Cua of Vietnam by walkover, before being eliminated by Han Soo-ann of South Korea.
"It is an unexpected but not unnatural death. His contribution to Bengal and Indian boxing is huge. He had excelled in power and kick-boxing (scientific boxing). He boxed at a time when boxing was not that popular on the international stage. Boxing was purely an amateur sport at that time. So, even during that period, Shakti Mazumdar learnt scientific boxing from Ajoy Sinha and successfully experimented with his skills at both national and international events. We will never forget him", Asit Banerjee, president of Bengal Amature Boxing Federation, told ETV Bharat.
By Sudipta Biswas
