Although the pugilist from the Indian Navy lived dangerously for ten minutes (five rounds) in the middle of the 20x20 feet ring, he convinced the judges to score a 20-15 verdict to win the first of two unanimous decisions.

However, Army Red continued their fine run in the championship to retain the overall title with a thumping 38 points, a clear lead over their nearest rivals Army Green who logged 24. Reds thus extended their lease on the crown for the fifth year in succession.

With just his left hand in action Dingko did look very defensive in the initial stages of the bout.

Siddi who did have the advantage of being slightly taller than Dingko came up with mighty swings at the Asian champion but the fast Manipur lad made sure ofducking most of them.

Dingko appeared restless and kept moving incessantly all over the mat. ``I wanted to tire him but he had some other ideas,'' added Dingko. On the other hand Siddi hardly moved but followed Dingko with much ease.

Results (all finals) Light fly: Sgt Sunil Prasad (Air Force) lost to Hav Rajendra More (Army Red) 22-49

Bantam weight: Hav Benjamin Siddi (Army Red) lost to CPO Dingko Singh (Indian Navy) 15-20

Feather weight: ST Ramanand (Army Red) bt Sgt Lenin Neitei (Air Force) 18-9.

Light weight: Narendra Rana (Army Red) bt Nk CA Kuttappa (Army Green) 14-10.

Light welter weight: Sgt Hari Das Singh (Air Force) bt L/Nk Kiran Mane (Army Red) RSC

Light middle weight: Hav Y S Thapa (Army Red) bt JWO UK Sharma Air Force (RSC).

Best boxer: Dingko Singh (Indian Navy).