After scripting history to become the first ever Indian pugilist to win three consecutive medals at Asian Boxing Championship, Shiva Thapa has returned home (Guwahati) amid the much applause on Thursday.
The 24-year-old Shiva has won a silver medal at the recently concluded Asian Boxing Championship in Uzbekistan. It was unfortunate for Shiva as the referee had to stop the bout after he had received a bloody head-butt from his opponent in the final match. Shiva had won gold in 2013 and a bronze in the 2015 edition.
“The tournament was very important for me to prove myself as it’s the first official one for me in the 60kg weight category. I’m glad that I could achieve this after the major decision (shifting weight category),” Shiva told The News Mill.
He, however, termed it unfortunate as a head-butt from his opponent resulted in a cut forcing the referee to stop the match midway.
“It was unfortunate. In the end of first round I got the head-butt and in boxing it’s always unpredictable. The injuries are there. The doctor advised not to continue and I had no option but to listen to him. But fortunately I’m recovering now,” Shiva added.
Shiva lost to local favourite Elnur Abduraimov in the final. Shiva defeated Olympic bronze-medallist, Asian Games gold-medallist and top seed Dorjnyambuu Otgondalai of Mongolia in the semifinal on May 5, during which he also sustained a cut above his eye.
Now, he is focused at the World Championships which is due to be held in August- September and the top six boxers from each weight category will qualify for the mega-event in Germany.
“I will be at home for the next several days. This is the must-needed rest and also I’m recovering from the cut. After that, I will start to train hard for the world championships. I’m hopeful of doing well there,” Shiva asserted.
