Rising Star of Fencer Chingakham Jetlee Singh, Son of a Dhaba Owner, Ready for KIUG 2023

Chingakham Jetlee Singh, a talented fencer who embarked on a journey from Manipur to the Army Sports Institute (ASI) in Pune at the age of 15, is ready to demonstrate his exceptional skills once again at the upcoming Khelo India University Games (KIUG) 2023, scheduled to be held in Lucknow.

Jetlee arrived at SAI ASI Pune in 2016 and has resided there since then. “In 2014, I won a medal in a national event. The following year, a trial was conducted at SAI ASI Pune, and I performed well, earning my selection. I have been training in Pune since 2016,” shared the dedicated fencer, recounting his journey to Pune. Jetlee has also represented India at the international level. He has participated in the Grand Prix held in Doha and he also competed in the Commonwealth Championship before in 2022.

Jetlee made his debut in the games last year in Bengaluru, where he clinched two gold medals in the individual and team events. At the age of 21, Jetlee currently represents Guru Nanak Dev University. As a first-year student, he is currently honing his skills at ASI Pune, which also serves as a SAI National Centre of Excellence. Jetlee is confident in his ability to deliver an impressive performance at the upcoming KIUG 2022, which will be held in Uttar Pradesh for the first time.

“I have full confidence in performing well at KIUG 2022. I am working hard for it,” stated Jetlee in a media release. Jetlee’s father operates a dhaba (roadside eatery) in the Imphal East district of Manipur. In 2022, he was named a TOPS Development Athlete. Among his three siblings, Jetlee, the youngest, shared, “My father runs a fast-food dhaba in the Imphal East district. My mother helps him in his work. My brother is currently seeking employment after completing his studies & my sister is already married.”

He secured the team gold medal in the championship and bolstered his ranking with an impressive performance at the Grand Prix. When asked about his introduction to fencing, Jetlee explained, “There is a boy named Eklavya in my village who excels in this sport. He has won numerous medals. Seeing his achievements, many children, including myself, were inspired to take up this sport. When I tried it first time, I started liking to it.” Jetlee believes that the Khelo India University Games provides an excellent platform as athletes receive world-class facilities.

“It is a fantastic competition. Athletes get a wonderful platform here. There are talented participants, and the facilities are top-notch. Bangalore had excellent arrangements. I am thrilled for my second Khelo India University Games,” he expressed enthusiastically. The talented athlete’s ultimate dream is to win a gold medal for the country in the Olympics. “My aspiration is to bring home a gold medal for the country in the Olympics. I have set my sights on the 2028 Olympics and have been training accordingly. I will give my all to secure a medal for the country,” declared Jetlee.

The highly anticipated third edition of the Khelo India University Games (KIUG) is just around the corner, set to commence from May 25 to June 3 in multiple cities of Uttar Pradesh, including Lucknow, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Gorakhpur, Varanasi, and Delhi. This prestigious event will witness the participation of more than 4,000 athletes from various institutions across the country, competing in 21 different sports disciplines under the Under-27 category.