Assam boxer Shiva Thapa (63 kg) comfortably marched into the finals of the ongoing 4th Elite Men’s National Boxing Championships at Baddi University of Emerging Sciences and Technology in Himachal Pradesh on October 9.
Shiva Thapa staved off the challenge of last year’s silver medallist Abhishek Yadav and notched up a unanimous win. Shiva stayed low against his tall and muscular opponent from Uttar Pradesh to deliver his combination blows. He will play for the gold medal against Services’ Akash who defeated President’s Cup gold medallist Ankush Dahiya 3-2 in a close bout.
The finals will see 8 boxers from Services and 5 boxers from Railways fight for the top honours on October 10. Services, who won 8 gold medals and bagged the top position last year, will be looking to defend their title this year.