Shiva Thapa 1st Indian to Assure 4th Straight Asian Boxing Championships Medal

6:26 PM

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sports news

Shiva Thapa 1st Indian to Assure 4th Straight Asian Boxing Championships Medal

Bangkok: Shiva Thapa (60kg) secured himself an unprecedented fourth successive medal, while veteran L Sarita Devi (60kg) made the semifinals for the first time in nearly a decade to continue India's stupendous run at the Asian Boxing Championships here on Tuesday.

In all, eight Indian boxers -- four women and four men -- advanced to the medal rounds on day two of quarterfinals.

The 25-year-old Thapa defeated Thailand's Rujakran Juntrong in a one-sided lightweight (60kg) contest. He prevailed 5-0 and has a tough semifinal lined up against Kazakhstan's Zakir Safiullin, a silver-medallist from the 2015 edition.

Thapa had won a gold in 2013, a bronze in 2015 and a silver in the 2017 edition of the marquee continental event. He is the first Indian to achieve the incredible feat.

In the women's draw, former world champion Sarita, who last reached the Asian semis back in 2010 and ended with a gold, defeated Kazakhstan's Rimma Volossenko in a split decision to advance.

Former junior world champion Nikhat Zareen (51kg) too booked her maiden semifinal berth at the tournament, beating Kazakhstan's Nazym Kyzaibay in the quarters.

Last edition's silver-medallist Manisha (54kg) also secured herself at least a bronze by defeating Filipino Petecio Zzaa Nice, while former national champion Simranjit Kaur (64kg) edged past a gritty Ha Thi Linh of Vietnam to make the last four.

Joining Thapa in the men's semifinals were Commonwealth Games silver-medallist Satish Kumar (+91kg), Ashish Kumar (75kg) and Ashish (69kg).

Ashish Kumar got the better of Kyrgyzstan's Omerbek Uulu Behzhigit in a unanimous verdict, while his namesake trounced Vietnam's Tran Duc Tho 5-0, displaying an impeccable counter-attacking game.

In the evening session, Satish out-punched Korean Kim Dohyeon, an exhausting showdown that left the Indian with a cut above his right eye.

Thapa, who is also a former world championship bronze-medallist and a two-time national champion, opened the proceedings for India and got busy immediately.

The Indian had a spring in his step as he went about dismantling his clueless opponent.

The technically superior Thapa also seemed to have added some more power to his punches and an aggressive streak which his rival found tough to deal with.

Ashish, on the other hand, was locked in a messy contest with Bekzhigit but was clearly the more accurate of the two boxers, finding favour with all the five judges.

Sarita also endured a draining contest against Volossenko but the veteran from Manipur raised the bar when it mattered to move ahead.

The performance in the championship is a turnaround of sorts for the 37-year-old, who ended without a medal at the world championships in Delhi last year.

However, Commonwealth Games bronze-medallist Naman Tanwar (91kg) bowed out after losing his quarterfinal bout to Jordan's Hussein Eishaish Iashaish 0-5.

In the women's draw, it was curtains for Nupur (75kg) after she went down to North Korean Pak Un Sim in her quarterfinal bout.

Source: NEWS18

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Arjuna award for Shiva Thapa, Khel Ratna for Jitu Rai

8:19 AM

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sports news

Writes: Buddham Moktan Tamang

The terms brave, fierce are very much associated with Gorkhas but now the overall scenario is different.

The so called brave Gorkhas can now be considered the modern Gorkhas of the 21st century who have excelled in many aspect whether it be social, economic, political and also at the intellectual level.

As such it is in this context that the name of Jitu Rai who was representing India at the Rio Oympics 2016 will be conferred the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award 2016, the highest sporting award in the nation

Not only him Shiva thapa who represented India in Boxing will be conferred the Arjuna award 2016 which is really a moment of pride for the entire Gorkha community.

Arjuna award for Shiva Thapa, Khel Ratna for Jitu Rai

So we the Gorkhas must be proud of their achievement since we have always been discriminated racially. This is an example where we Gorkhas stand now and we will even be progressing further in near future.

In the process, we also Congratulate our local lad from Siliguri Soumyajit Ghosh who is also receiving Arjuna Award this year.

Congratulations to all the Athletes and Coaches.

Via DT

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Sachin Tendulkar's encouragement words for Shiva Thapa

10:17 PM

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Video

23rd June 2016 The lone Indian boxer to have qualified for 2016 Rio Olympics so far, Shiva Thapa have received a vedio where Sachin Tendulkar have some supporting words for him in the popular social media. The post read "It is the biggest experience ever for any athlete to represent their nation at Olympics".A huge shout out to Shiva Thapa on his ‪#‎RoadtoRio‬. Jee jaan laga dena!"  ‪#‎AgainstAllOdds‬ Indian Olympic Association. India had gone with a 13-member squad and only Shiva qualified for the Olympics so far.

In a reaction to this gesture from the God of Cricket Shiva replied "Thank you Sir for your motivating words." This is the second time that Sachin have actually made a video for Shiva Thapa. The first time Sachin made video for Shiva was when  he replied to a question asked by Thapa in a Twitter chat, wished the 22-year-old the very best for his second Olympics. “Firstly, all the very best for the Rio Olympics. We are with you. We are supporting you. Don’t think about the pressure. Just think about the process, results will follow,” said Tendulkar (Details here Sachin Tendulkar wishes Shiva Thapa good luck for Rio Olympics 2016 )

Watch the video
In the time when boxing in India has been facing a lot of problems with the lack of a federation these words from Sachin have come as a ray of hope.

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Shiva Thapa's interview about training and his hopes for Rio.

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sports news

In boxing, aggression is key: Shiva Thapa - the only Indian boxer to have qualified for the Rio Games so far, on his preparations and the unending chaos in the sport’s administration.
Writes Suprita Das*

New Delhi: Four years ago, he became the youngest Indian boxer to qualify for the Olympic Games. Now, Shiva Thapa, 22, says he’s grown as a boxer, despite the sport itself having stalled in India in the worst possible way over the lack of a governing body. In late 2012, the international ruling body for amateur boxing, AIBA, banned the Indian boxing federation after finding evidence of a rigged election. Ever since, Indian boxing’s administrators have been at war with each other, and the ban has stayed. The worst affected, of course, have been the boxers. There have been no national championships since 2012, the training calendar and camps for elite boxers have been thrown out of gear, and boxers have found it increasingly difficult to participate in international tournaments without a federation to represent them.

In 2012, an unprecedented eight boxers qualified for the London Olympics. This year, with just two chances left to qualify (one tournament is ongoing, the other is meant for pro boxers), Thapa is the only Indian boxer who has assured himself of a place in Rio 2016.

Shive Thapa is the only Indian boxer who has assured himself of a place in Rio 2016.

The bantamweight (56kg) boxer from Assam, currently ranked No. 6 in the world, spoke in an interview about training through adversity, and his hopes for Rio.

Edited excerpts:

You’re the first and so far the only Indian boxer to have qualified for Rio. Isn’t it going to be a bit of a lonely dressing room for you?
Yes, if nobody else qualifies, it will be a little lonely, no doubt. But I am hopeful our boys have one more chance of qualifying for Rio. Vikas (Krishan Yadav) has given himself one more shot at qualifying through the AIBA pro boxing route, and I am definitely hopeful about him.

You were the youngest Indian to qualify for London four years back. How have you grown as a boxer?
A lot. I am a different person, and a better boxer for sure. When I made the cut for London, it was a dream come true. But it got over in a flash. The last four years have been spent in making myself tougher, and better. The Olympics are always a huge occasion, there is so much more we attach to it than just the competition, and any of us who have qualified who says they are not nervous, are not telling the truth.

But the experience I gained last time, I’m sure that will help. I hope it’s going to be less overwhelming. I have now taken part in two World Championships, two Asian Championships, one Olympics, one Asian Games and one Commonwealth Games—I have fought against many different opponents, which has taken my boxing to a higher level. There is a lot more self-belief in me than before. And the big stage and the spotlight does not makes me nervous.

You were just 18 when you qualified for London. What was that like?
Yes, it’s actually the scenes in my home town, Guwahati, after my qualification, that I will never forget. The road near our house was lined with cars, and people, and members of the media. For days my parents, my sister, they couldn’t do anything normally. That’s why before a big tournament I always try and make a trip back home to see my family. I’ve done it this time too. I just switch off during those days, and don’t even check my phone.

And this time, after your qualified, you posed a question to Sachin Tendulkar on Twitter...

Yes, I am a massive fan of Tendulkar, and he’s played for India in so many World Cups. So I was keen to know how the best sportspersons handle pressure at that level.

And what was Tendulkar’s advice?
He said you shouldn’t think of the outcome, but focus on the process instead. He said that the pressure will always be there, but the idea is to just enjoy the moment, enjoy being on such a big stage like the Olympics, and when you begin to enjoy yourself, the pressure takes care of itself.

You say you’ve become a better boxer. How has that happened given the mess Indian boxing is in?
It’s been frustrating, and disappointing, no doubt. That’s why when I won my Olympic quota in China, it was more like overcoming a huge mental battle. I let out a scream after my semi-final, because I was relieved. In a way, you could say there was that pent-up anger inside me, and I wanted to come out strong despite the huge administrative barriers that, not just me, all of us faced.

During the trials for the Olympic qualifiers, you got a cut above your eye, which means just before the competition, you couldn’t even have sparring sessions. Did that make it even tougher?
Yes, it’s like going to write an exam without preparing for it! I needed stitches for the injury, and then couldn’t spar with anyone for fear that the cut would open. At that time all my training and sparring was in the head.

You realize there could be a scenario where you could be competing in Rio as an International Olympic Committee or an AIBA athlete, and not on behalf of India?

Yes, I hope it’s sorted before that. I know they are making efforts in that direction. We have been competing as AIBA athletes for these two years, and of course it’s very odd to not have anything written on my vest or jacket when I am competing. Sometimes when you’re not in the ring, but somewhere around the competition venue, people come and ask you which country you’re from, and that reminds you of the reality.

What’s been the biggest hurdle in training because of the federation ban for so long?
Getting more tournaments and exposure trips, definitely. See, so much of the scoring and judging in boxing has become subjective, and you can’t do much beyond what the judge has put on his scoresheet. But we have hardly got a chance to compete under these new rules. In Patiala (at the national training camp), we may have the best sparring partners, but anyone will tell you that training and competition are completely different.

So, for example, I have been working on increasing my aggression. In today’s boxing, I think, there is no place for dormant boxers who like to back-pedal and move around the ring without the intent to throw punches and score points. Aggression is key; you don’t have any option but to go for the kill. But it’s only when I am fighting a real bout in a competition that I will be able to judge if my aggression is in the right measure, or am I going overboard.

Every bout, and every competitor, is different. There can be no formula obviously. So getting more competitions makes a huge difference. Still I would say, AIBA has been quite generous and understanding with India; it could have been far worse, we could have been banned from competing completely.

What do you make of Vijender Singh turning pro?
It’s interesting times no doubt, with the road to pro boxing in our country being paved by Vijender who has been a game changer in amateur boxing for us, and now in pro too. I think it opens many doors for boxers, especially younger boxers. Our boys have been going through uncertain times, so they are going to lap up any opportunity. If you look at any other sports, even in India itself, the coaches have been working and training and identifying youngsters for the 2020 Olympics now, and that’s how it must be. But in boxing we don’t have that, because where are the competitions to identify new boxers?

Given a chance, would you be tempted to turn pro? You definitely have age on your side.
I don’t want to predict right now, because there’s nothing else that’s on my target at the moment apart from Rio. I have worked very hard to get my ticket, I have earned it, and want to make the most of it. Any decision on the future is for a later time.

*Suprita Das is a senior sports correspondent with NDTV.

Via livemint

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Why I won’t ‘settle down’ says Shiva Thapa

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sports news

I found the purpose and passion that keeps me on my toes when I first walked into a boxing gym.

Everyone wants to know how I’m training for the Olympics. Training for the Olympics isn’t just a matter of working hard for a few months or for four years. When I think about it, the countdown to the Olympics started when I walked into a boxing gym for the first time. I was nine years old then.
The Olympics, of course, are the biggest games in the world. As a boxer, this is supposed to be one of the highlights of my career. When I go to Rio, I think I will be able to enjoy the Olympics a lot more. When I was in London (2012), I was overawed by the whole experience. You are walking around the Olympic village or you could be having lunch and you meet some of the greatest athletes in the world. When I met athletes like Usain Bolt and Michael Phelps, I was a little apprehensive. How would they respond to an 18-year-old from India who hadn’t won anything? But they were welcoming. You could see they had the attitude of a winner but they were never rude to anyone. That’s something I took from them. Being a champion is about being open to new situations. There’s always something to learn from others.

Shiva Thapa

I also made a lot of friends at the London games. People are quick to jump to the conclusion that boxers are a violent bunch. That’s not true. All our aggression is confined to the ring. Outside, we are like a brotherhood. One of my good friends at London was Satoshi Shimizu of Japan. I had beaten him in the semifinal of the Asian Olympic qualifiers in 2012, but he had made it to the Olympics because I had won the final at the qualifiers. But at London our paths differed. I lost in the first round and he won a bronze. It wasn’t in my destiny to win a medal in London, I suppose.

But it certainly was in my destiny to be a boxer. I believe that boxing is my purpose in life. In fact, I believe everyone has a purpose in life. We sometimes confuse what we are doing with what our purpose in life is. It is not easy to find out one’s purpose in life is. People don’t know what they want to do even after they turn 30 or 40. I feel blessed and fortunate that I knew what I wanted to do with my life when I was nine.

It helped that my father did not force me into boxing. My father practiced martial arts. But he didn’t mind if I was interested in studies or singing or dancing. If my father had pushed me into the sport, I may have rebelled. I went to the gym myself and he supported me. That’s all I needed from him.
Being a native of Assam makes it sometimes an unusual experience when I travel abroad. Very often other boxers come up to me and ask if I am really from India. I explain to them that India is a large country with very many people. Since I am the only Indian who has qualified in boxing for this Olympics, I wonder if boxers from elsewhere will think that all Indians look like me!

It’s a little different when this question is posed in your own country. It is frustrating when your own countrymen say you look like a native of some other country. We have always looked like this. I know that the North East was never ruled by China or Mongolia or Korea. Judging whether someone is Indian by their face is foolish. There are people from North India who look Arab to me. At times I get a bit angry when I hear cases of discrimination. There are some who think that people from the North East are less Indian than they are. But what have they achieved to make their country proud? They probably can’t even name the seven states of the North East or spot them on the India map!
I spoke on the anti racism law because I see myself as a guy from the North East. Discussions started on that law after the murder of Nido Tania in Delhi in 2014. I was upset because the debate was around Nido’s identity — he was someone from Arunachal Pradesh. I was shocked this happened to an Indian.

People would say I’m patriotic. All athletes are in some way patriotic. When you compete for the Olympics, you have to sacrifice so much for so long. You have to train more than you thought you could. You do it because it’s for something bigger than you.

In a way I am grateful that I can do what I do. I love boxing but it also gives me a platform to represent my country on the biggest stage of all. If my achievements can motivate a youngster from my state to do well, or convince someone that people from my region are as much a part of this country as any other, that’s equally important for me.

Boxing has given me an identity. When I wear my boxing vest, it doesn’t say Shiva Thapa or Assam or the North East. It says India. I’m a boxer fighting for my country. That’s what I’m about.


Via indianexpress

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Sachin Tendulkar wishes Shiva Thapa good luck for Rio Olympics 2016

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Video

New Delhi: Shiva Thapa, the only Indian boxer to have qualified for the Rio Olympics so far, today got words of encouragement from none other than cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar. Tendulkar, replying to a question asked by Thapa in a Twitter chat, wished the 22-year-old the very best for his second Olympics. “Firstly, all the very best for the Rio Olympics. We are with you. We are supporting you. Don’t think about the pressure. Just think about the process, results will follow,” said Tendulkar

“You have to stay positive and enjoy the game. Pressure is going to be there but if you try and live in the present, then pressures will take care of themselves. Good luck,” he added. Tendulkar was responding to a flurry of questions from fans on Twitter. “I am going to my second Olympics at Rio. How did you handle pressure when you played for India at World Cup?” Thapa had asked. The world No.6 Thapa won the bantamweight silver at the Asian Qualifiers in Qian’an, China to qualify for the Olympics in August.

Former India captain Anil Kumble and former England captain Michael Vaughan also had questions for Tendulkar. While Kumble asked him when they could plan a trip together to a wildlife sanctuary, Vaughan asked Tendulkar whether the ball he bowled to him was the “greatest delivery” he had ever faced.

Via cricketcountry

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Shiva Thapa qualifies for Rio Olympics 2016

5:41 PM

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sports news

31st March 2016 Shiva Thapa became the first Indian boxer to qualify for the Rio Olympics when he entered the final of the men's bantamweight (56kg) category at the Asia/Oceania qualifying tournament, Qian'an, China, on Thursday.

Shiva, the top seed in his weight division, defeated 2013 World Championship bronze medalist Kairat Yeraliyev of Kazakhstan in the semi-finals. The Assam lad will face second seed Chatchai Butdee of Thailand in the final on Friday.

This will be Shiva's second appearance at the Olympics. The World Championships bronze medallist became the youngest boxer to compete at the Oylmpics at the London Games in 2012.

Shiva Thapa qualified for Rio Olympics 2016 beating Kairat Yeraliyev (Kazakhstan). Enters in the finals of 2016 Asian/Oceanian Qualification Event.

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Shiva Thapa bags Gold Medal in 12th South Asian Games 2016 as India wins 7 gold in boxing

11:09 PM

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sports news

Our pride, Shiva Thapa bags Gold Medal today during the 12th South Asian Games 2016 at Shillong, Meghalaya. Indian boxers packed a powerful punch as they bagged all the seven gold medals on offer in the men's event of the 12th South Asian Games on Monday.

Glasgow Commonwealth Games silver medalist L Devendro Singh, who is recovering from an injury, began India's gold rush in boxing when he pipped Mohib Ulla of Pakistan in 49kg category at the SAI campus in North Eastern Hill University on the outskirts of the city.

The other gold medallists of the day were Vikas Krishan (75kg), Shiva Thapa (56kg), Madan Lal (52kg), Dheeraj Rangi (60kg), Manoj Kumar (64kg) and Mandeep Jangra (69kg).

"It was a bit tough and my focus was to avoid any injury with the qualifiers coming up next month," the London Olympics quarter finalist Devendro told PTI after he was was adjudged winner 2-1 via split decision.

Shiva Thapa bags Gold Medal in 12th South Asian Games 2016

The Manipuri completely dominated the first and second rounds to run away with the bout.

Mohib Ulla mainly relied on wild swings, while a cautious Devendro was handing out straight crosses and body punches to be adjudged winner.

If Devendro fought off injury to open India's account, world no 6 in middleweight Vikas Krishan put up a brave front after fighting a flu to down Tanveer Ahmed in the 75kg to end the home side's campaign with a magnificent seven gold medals.

Despite not being able to put up his best, Krishan prevailed over his Pakistani opponent with some feisty uppercuts and was adjudged 3-0 winner.

"I was running temperature after landing here failing to cope with the temperature as I'm on full antibiotic dosage so I was not able to give my best," Krishan said while India head coach GS Sandhu felt he would have won through TKO had he been fully fit.

Guwahati lad Shiva Thapa impressed the boisterous crowd, which included his father Padam and brother Govind among others, to prevail upon Sri Lankan W Ruwan Thilina in the 56kg title bout.

Against the Lankan, who was headbutting, Thapa had a defensive strategy.

"The strategy worked and I did not allow him to settle down initially before unleashing a flurry of blows," the world number 2 said.

Source TOI

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17 ‪‎Gorkha‬ Luminaries to be Felicitated in Gorkha Talent Show Assam

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Shiva Thapa

Seventeen luminaries from across Darjeeling district and Assam will be felicitated during a historic event 'Gorkha Talent Show of Assam 2016' slated for the 9th and 10 February at GMCH auditorium, Guwahati organized by Akhil Assam Gorkha Kalakar Sangh (AAGKS).

Gopal Khanal general secretary of AAGKS informed that the chief minister of Assam Tarun Gagoi will remain as chief guest in the two days event where around five thousand people will witness the historic talent show and felicitation programme.

The talent haunts for singers and dancers has already finished by conduction several rounds of auditions in entire state of Assam and finally selected 40 singers and dancers for the final round that will be held on 9th and 10th February.

 Gorkha Talent Show Assam - a file Photo

Twenty three models of Assam will also walk on ramp by wearing ethnic attires of North East to promote tradition and culture and spread peace and harmony.

Among seventeen luminaries well known model and Miss Asia University Rewati Chhetri, Olympian boxer Shiva Thapa, Boxing coach of Assam Gome Thapa, Bihu Samrat of Assam late Khagen Mahanta, Journalist from Siliguri Prashant Acharya, Editor of Himalay Darpan Shibu Chhetri, Photographer Sanjit Nandi, Dancers Pradeep Gurung, Om Chhetri, Singers Karma Sherpa, Anju Devi, Dramatists Binod Khanal, Radio artist Haren Subba, Editor of Hamro Prajashakti Anjan Upadhayaya, Editor Sapariwar Rohit Gautam and others.

Prakash Rai working president of the organizing committee also informed that several film artists, sports persons, singers and dancers are participating in the show where more than five thousand audiences will witness the historic event in North East.

Source: ECOI

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Shiva Thapa: Heroes Of Indian Combat Sports

8:44 AM

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sports news

India is known to have produced numerous talented boxers who have made a mark at the global stage. From the great Hawa Singh in the 1960s to the likes of Mary Kom, Akhil Kumar and Vijender Singh, these athletes have made the nation proud on several occasions. In this edition of Heroes of Combat Sports, we take a look at the journey of the country’s youngest Olympian, 21-year-old Shiva Thapa.

The young boxer has already grown into a mature athlete and will be one of India’s strongest contenders at the 2016 Olympics.

Combat sports in blood

Born on 8th December 1993, in Guwahati, Shiva Thapa is the youngest of six children. His father, Padam Thapa was a Karate instructor at Assam and his elder brother Gobind Thapa was a National level boxing champion. Gobind Thapa has won numerous accolades including National Medals and Best Boxer Awards in various competitions. At a very young age, Shiva Thapa had taken a liking towards boxing and used to watch Mike Tyson’s bouts with great interest.

Olympic Gold Quest comes to Shiva Thapa’s aid

As Shiva Thapa managed his studies and training comfortably, Olympic Gold Quest (OGQ), a non-profit organization, which boosts Indian sporting talent, identified him as an enormous talent. The organization went on to make him a part of their ‘Vision 2016’ initiative. Former Indian hockeycaptain Viren Rasquinha had high regard for Thapa at the time of his association with OGQ and stated how a talented boxer like him needed proper grooming.

Amateur career and road to 2012 London Olympics

In 2008, Shiva Thapa participated at the Children of Asia. International Sports Games in Moscow and won the bronze medal. This achievement earned him a place in the Indian contingent that was travelling to Armenia for the Junior World Boxing Championships. Thapa won a bronze medal in the 52-kg weight category and was the only Indian medal-winner.

String of silver medals in 2010

After a semifinal loss at  the Asian Youth Boxing Championship, Shiva Thapa entered the finals of the Youth World    Amateur Boxing Championships. An injured fist in the semifinal bout cost him the match and he had to be content with the silver medal. Post this success, Shiva Thapa qualified for the Youth Olympics and had a good run in the tournament with a bronze medal finish in the 54-kg category.

The 2012 Asian Olympic Qualifiers were held in Astana, Kazakhstan, where Shiva Thapa defeated Syria’s Wessam Salamana 18–11 to clinch the gold medal. The result saw him qualify for the 2012 London Olympics in 56-kg category. He, however, lost in the first round of the London Olympics, losing 9–14 to Oscar Valdez Fierro of Mexico in the Bantamweight category.

WSB contract for Shiva Thapa in 2013

In July 2013, Shiva emerged victorious at the Asian Confederation Boxing Championships. He became the youngest Indian to achieve this feat. He also participated in the World Boxing Championships of the same year and went on to reach the quarterfinals in his debut stint. As he continued to grow in stature as a boxer, the World Series Boxing offered Shiva Thapa a contract for professional boxing. He became one of the first Indian boxers to receive the contract. Currently, Shiva Thapa is world no. 3 in the Bantamweight category as per the AIBA rankings.

Thapa is also an active promoter of social causes and participates in marathons and walkathons intended to raise funds for charity. We wish the young boxer from Assam all the very best for his next big mission: the 2016 Olympics.

Source : sportsrediscovered

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Shiva Thapa: Punching Above His Weight

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story

Shiva Thapa is only 21, but is already the third Indian boxer after Vijender Singh and Vikas Krishan to win a World Championship medal. Like most achievements by Indian champions, Shiva Thapa’s bantamweight bronze in the World meet at Doha in October 2015 is the result of a lot of hard work and sacrifice.

Since Shiva’s father, Padam Thapa was a man of modest means. He did not think twice before selling his house, his land and his small-scale factory in Guwahati where he made make steel furniture – “only because nothing is more important to me than an Olympic medal.” Shiva Thapa’s tryst with the Olympic medal may be on hold but a World Championship medal is a no mean return.

After four daughters, his wife and Padam Thapa had two sons Govind and Shiva. So intent was the karate instructor that his offspring should reach the highest echelons of sport, he researched and concluded that there was maximum opportunity in an individual sport like boxing. So Govind and Shiva were initiated into boxing when they were nine and seven respectively and training began in their living room itself, where a punching bag was up.

An Early Start
While Padam Thapa picked up enough boxing to be able to coach them and spared no efforts to support their training, also ensuring that their education did not suffer either, the boys embraced his dream as their own. They did not protest much even when they were made to wake up as early as 3-30 a.m., so that they had enough time to study as well as train.

Shiva was first noticed at age 12, when he won his first sub-juniors gold in Noida, and was invited to train at Army Sports Institute, Pune. He continued with his sterling performances, winning silver at the Youth World Championships and Youth Olympic Games in Singapore, in 2010. Shiva marked his entry among the seniors with a gold winning performance at the Super Cup in Mumbai in May 2011, following it up with an international title winning performance, with a victory over the reigning world champion Dalakliev Detelin in Belgrade in September 2011.

Education Not Neglected
He notched up gold at the National championship at Karaikkudi in Tamil Nadu in December that year. And despite the disappointment in the Olympic Games in London in 2012, the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games in 2014, Shiva Thapa was able to justify his talent by winning the Asian Championship title in 2013.

Brimming with confidence, this new age boxer relies more on intelligence and skill to hold him up in the ring, rather than aggression and brute strength, a hallmark of the earlier lot of successful boxers from Haryana. Shiva is amongst the new breed of sportspersons, who believe in educating themselves and pursued BA through correspondence.

To be an inspiration for younger boxers at just 21 years of age is quite something, isn’t it?

Source: zevenworld.

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Shiva Thapa became the highest-ranked Indian boxer

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sports news

NEW DELHI: Shiva Thapa on Tuesday became the highest-ranked Indian boxer, zooming to second in the latest international rankings after winning a bronze medal at last month's World Championships in Doha.

Shiva was placed second with 1550 points in the 56kg category, up five places from the previous list. The top spot was occupied by Irishman Michael Conlan (2150 points), who won the gold medal at the World Championships.

The 22-year-old Shiva became only the third Indian ever to clinch a medal at the showpiece event after Vijender Singh (2009, bronze) and Vikas Krishan (2011, bronze).

Vikas, who lost in the quarterfinals of the Doha event, was the next best-placed Indian at sixth in the 75kg middleweight division.

The Asian Championships silver-medallist is fighting in a category which Vijender made his own before turning professional earlier this year.

Satish Kumar, who was also a quarterfinalist in Doha, took the seventh spot in the rankings for super heavyweight (+91kg) boxers.

Another Asian Championships silver-medallist, L Devendro Singh, occupies the 13th spot in the 49kg category. The youngster from Manipur lost in the second round of the world meet following a cut above his right eye. He has 550 points in his kitty.

Former Asian gold-medallist Sumit Sangwan, who has been laid low by injury, was placed 18th in the 81kg division with 450 points. Manoj Kumar also occupies the 18th spot in the light welterweight 64kg list.

Gaurav Bhiduri, who created a flutter by notching up some good wins in the World Series of Boxing's season gone by, is placed 37th in the 52kg category.

In the 69kg category, former Asian silver-medallist Mandeep Jangra held the 58th position.

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Shiva Thapa wins Bronze, Loses Olympic Quota Box-Off

8:41 AM

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sports news

A bronze medal in his kitty, Indian boxer Shiva Thapa could not add the Olympic quota place to it despite a valiant effort in a hard-fought box-off of the World Championships in Doha.

Shiva (56kg), who became only the third Indian ever to clinch a medal at the mega-event after Vijender Singh (2009) and Vikas Krishan (2011), went down to Belarus' Dzmitry Asanau despite a dominating performance.

"We were expecting this bout to go our way. Shiva fought very well and it is unfortunate that he lost this bout," national coach Gurbax Singh Sandhu said.

The 21-year-old from Assam, the only one from the six-member contingent to be left in reckoning for the Olympic berth, was on the offensive from the very first bell, daring his rival with an open guard.
Besides his very accurate left hook, the Indian also used his right jabs to good effect. However, despite combining his blows with lucid foot movement, which helped him dodge Asanau effectively, the Indian did not find favour with the judges.

Shiva thapa Bronze in world Boxing Championship 2015.

The 19-year-old Asanau, a European Games silver-medallist, continued his defensive approach in the second round and did not come on the front foot even once. However, the approach found favour with judges yet again and he nosed ahead 2-0.

In the final three minutes, Shiva attacked with all his might and put Asanau under pressure with his aggressive approach.

However, Shiva aggression could not trump Asanau's defensive tactics and the judges unanimously awarded the bout to the Belarussian.

India thus ended their campaign with one bronze medal but failed to secure a single Olympic quota place.

Source ndtv

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Shiva Thapa wins gold medal at Doha International boxing tournament

10:33 AM

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sports news

Indian Gorkha boxer Shiva Thapa (56kg), won the gold medal at the Doha International boxing tournament by beating Egypt's HYM Abdelaal 2-1. L Devendro Singh,  Manish Kaushik and Manoj Kumar also have won the Gold medals for India, while Mandeep Jangra and Vikas Krishan bagged bronze medals.

 Shiva Thapa after winning Gold at the Doha International boxing tournament Listening National Anthem

The Indian boxers have performed exceptionally well in the tournament, which was a test event ahead of the World Championships scheduled in October.

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Indian Gorkha Shiva Thapa enter the second round in Asian Games

9:59 AM

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sports news

Comeback-man Akhil Kumar (60kg) pummelled his Nepalese rival Purna Bahadur Lama before notching up a Technical Knockout triumph while Indian Gorkha Shiva Thapa (56kg) merely had to show up to enter the second round as Indian boxers began their Asian Games campaign on a winning note here today.

Pugilist Shiva Thapa is declared winner during preliminaries
of the men's 56kg category boxing event
 at the 17th Asian Games. (PTI Photo)

Shiva was the first to step into the ring this afternoon and he did not have to do anything more as his opponent, Leonel Helo Prada of Timor Leste, gave him a walkover.

Akhil, a former Commonwealth Games gold-medallist, was the next man in for India in the second half of the day and the 33-year-old showed no signs of rustiness while getting past Lama.

The Haryana-lad, who was returning to international competition after three years of injury-forced hibernation, was dominant from the word go.

With his trademark open guard, the Indian went after his overtly cautious rival, who looked hesitant in attack and equally unsure in defence.

The opening round ended with Akhil leading Lama 30-24 after shaking him up with a flurry of uppercuts, targetting the Nepalese's torso.

Lama faced the standing eight count twice during the opening three minutes itself.

The second round followed a similar script with Lama looking even more intimidated by his experienced rival. The Nepalese boxer faced one more standing eight count before Akhil sealed it 30-25.

It was halfway into the final three minutes when the referee decided that Lama had taken enough of a pounding and stopped the contest declaring Akhil the winner in a Technical Knockout.

Source:TOI

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Shiva Thapa Ready For 17th Incheon Asian Games

10:05 PM

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sports news

In the recent Commonwealth Games, as many as four Indian boxers went very close to glory. However, no one could rise up and cross the final hurdle. The Glasgow haul was modest considering India’s track record in the sport and one of the pugilists who had a disappointing trip was Shiva Thapa. The highly-rated boxer from Guwahati was ousted early in the tournament, but Shiva is ready to put that behind him and go for gold in 17th Incheon Asian Games.

Shiva Thapa (right) in action during the 2012 London Olympics

“I always strive to be the best and go for gold, wherever I fight. I was unlucky in Glasgow to have drawn an Olympic bronze medallist in the last 16. But I’m positive about my chances in Incheon. I’ve trained hard and looking forward to the challenge,” Shiva, who started boxing at the tender age of seven, told TNIE.

With just a week to go ahead of the Asiad test, the World No 3 revealed that they have had a big shift in their training regime. “We are concentrating on speed training. The quality is much higher. The duration of sparring and bouts have been shortened. We time our fights according to competition rules. The entire session has been fast-paced,” Shiva explained.

From clinching a silver medal in the Youth Olympics (2010) to graduating into the youngest pugilist to represent India in the London Olympics, the 20-year-old has built up a solid reputation. Last year in July, Shiva became the youngest Indian to bag gold at the Asian Boxing Championship at Amman, Jordan. Whenever there is an international event, many consider him to be a medal prospect but Shiva is not daunted by the expectations. “I know it can go against me. But I feel the fans have those expectation because they believe I can fulfill it. They have given me so much love. I’m fortunate to represent them and the country,” Shiva said.

Despite his impressive rise, the pugnacious fighter is not taking the Asian Games for granted. He is the top-ranked Asian but will be challenged by boxers from Kazakhstan, Japan and Mongolia. “Boxing is a combat sport where opponents can make you work really hard to get a win. A match can turn on its head in the last 10 seconds. A punch in the end could cost you the contest,” Shiva assessed.

After the headgear was banned, the boxers have had to make a few adjustments to their game. Shiva said it has its advantages and also concedes it can be quite dangerous. “The visibility without the headgear is much better. You can spot those dangerous hooks but the drawback is that you have a bigger chance of getting cuts because of head butts. One has to watch out for that,” he said.

In the last outing in Guangzhou, Indian boxers had bagged nine medals (2 gold, 3 silver and 4 bronze).

Source: Indian Express

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Shiva Thapa's early exit from the Commonwealth Games

10:09 PM

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sports news

Shiva Thapa (56kg) made a shocking early exit from the Commonwealth Games.

The 22-year-old Olympic bronze medallist from Belfast was helped when Thapa was penalised for leading with the head in the third and final round, but Conlan was already well ahead on the scorecards after a disciplined display against his aggressive opponent.

It was a happy-sad kind of day for India in the boxing rink, at the ongoing commonwealth games. While North-East lad Indian boxer L Devendro Singh (49kg) advanced to the quarterfinals. Reigning Asian champion Shiva Thapa (56kg) lost on technicality to Northern Ireland's Michael Conlan.

On a disappointing note, Shiva Thapa (56kg) went down to Olympic bronze-medallist Michael Conlan of Northern Ireland. The Assam boxer found the going tough against the crowd favourite despite the fact that Conlan had endured a cut on his head during his opening bout.

Conlan dominated the opening round clinching it 30-28. The second and third rounds were a tad closer but the Irishman held his own to outwit Shiva.

To add to his woes, Shiva also ended up getting warned for clinching and bending too much.

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Shiva Thapa and Northeastern associations demands anti-racism law in India

11:10 PM

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Shiva Thapa

Several northeastern associations came together with speakers like boxer Shiva Thapa, Tripura Maharaja Pradyot Bikram Manikya and Binalakshmi Nepram to discuss the draft of a strong and comprehensive anti-racism law. The core committee will meet all the MPs from the northeast on Tuesday so that the bill can be presented in Parliament. 

"This is the first time I was feeling so bad taking a flight to Delhi," said Thapa. He said it was high time a proper law was formulated to protect those who are persecuted on the basis of looks. Demanding a strong anti-racism law in India, the unions blamed the Centre as well as the Delhi government for not looking into the discrimination faced by them. 

"All governments have failed to protect our people. The elected representatives from northeastern states have done nothing to help people who are discriminated against in the capital," said Bina Lakshmi Nepram, founder of the Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network. 

They want to include south Indians in the law as they also face discrimination. The speakers pointed out that even India had signed the United Nations' anti-racism treaty. "But they never applied any of it here," said Nepram.
The northeast community is upset with chief minister Arvind Kejriwal for not following up after announcing a committee. "Even Kejriwal, instead of acting firmly with the accused in the Nido Tania case, has put the onus on us. He's assured us of investigating the matter which has not been done till now. Where is AAP now?" said Pradyot Bikram Manikya. 

The latest data by the North East Support Centre and Helpline shows 86% of people from the northeast in the capital have faced discrimination. Founding member Alana Golmei said the Centre should come up with an anti-racism law to insulate people from different forms of harassment. 

"We are Indians and have the same rights enjoyed by people from other states." The anti-racism law will not just protect people from the northeast but also those living outside their states, she added.

Source:timesofindia

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Four Indian Gorkhas who represented India in London Olympic 2012

11:56 PM

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sports

Four Indian Gorkhas represented India in Olympic 2012 which took place in London (UK) which started from 27 July 2012. This was the proud moment for Indian Gorkha community.

London Olympic 2012 

Bharat Chettri

Bharat Chettri is the Captain of the Indian national hockey team. He was born in 1982 at Darjeeling. He is the goalkeeper of the Indian hockey team. He was first appointed the captain of the Indian national team in October 2011 for the four-nation Super Series and an international tournament in Australia. He was the captain of the 18-member Indian squad at the 2012 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia, which won the bronze medal. Bharat Chhetri will lead the 16-member Indian hockey squad in the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

Tarundeep Ra

Tarundeep Rai is an Indian archer. Tarundeep is a recipient of the Arjuna Award in the year 2005. Tarundeep Rai became the first Indian to win an individual mens silver medal in archery at the Asian Games on 24 November 2010 in China. Tarundeep was a part of the Indian archery team won the silver medal at the 2005 World Championship in Madrid (Spain).

Shiva Thapa

Shiva Thapa is an Indian boxer from Guwahati, Assam. Shiva Thapa is the youngest Indian boxer to qualify for the for 2012 London Olympics. His date of birth is 8 December 1993. In 2012 Asian Olympic Qualifiers held in Astana (Kazakhstan) he defeated Syria’s Wessam Salamana to clinch the gold medal and qualified for 2012 London Olympics in 56 kgs category.

Basanta Bahadur Rana

Basanta Bahadur Rana is an Indian athlete. He has qualified in 50 Kilometers Race Walk event in London Olympics 2012. He is the first athlete to represent India in 50 Kilometers Race Walk event. He was born on 18 January 1984 in a town near Kathmandu, Nepal. He joined the Indian army in 2002 and currently serving the Gorkha Regiment of Indian army.





Source:himlalpun.net

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Shiva Thapa is set for his first World Series of Boxing in US

11:12 AM

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Shiva Thapa

Young Indian Gorkha boxer Shiva Thapa is set for his first bout in the World Series of Boxing (WSB) with team USA Knockouts after he was granted American visa to reach Miami in time for the Jan 17 tie against Ukraine Otamans. Sumit Sangwan, however, is yet to get his visa. The two are the only Indians to sign with a foreign franchise in the semi-professional competition.

Shiva Thapa is set for his first World Series of Boxing

"Shiva got his visa three days ago. He will be leaving for Miami day after. Sumit will be appearing for his visa interview Monday and we are hoping he too gets it soon," Maneesh Bahuguna, their manager and CEO of Anglian Medal Hunt, told IANS.

Thapa faces World Championship bronze medallist Mykola Butsenko in the 56kg category and it will be interesting to see how he fares bare-chested and without headgear.

A total of five bouts of three minutes each will take place in round six of the tournament.

Thapa's career has been on the rise after he became the youngest Indian to win a gold at the Asian Championships. He achieved the feat last year in Amman, Jordan. The Guwahati-based boxer was one of the youngest to qualify for the London Olympics.

In October, both Thapa and Sangwan made the quarters of the World Championships in Azerbaijan.

Sangwan has been signed to compete in the 81kg category. 

Source:newindianexpress

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