World championship bronze medal-winning bantamweight boxer Shiva Thapa on Friday defeated Kairat Yeraliyev of Kazakhstan, a 2013 Worlds bronze medallist, in the semifinals to reach the Asian-Oceania qualifying event final in Quian’an, China, and become the first Indian boxer to book a spot in the Rio Olympics.
Thapa had bagged a bronze in the World championship in Doha but lost in the box-off for an Olympic quota place in October last year.
Twenty-two-year-old Thapa, a former Asian champion, put in some hard work to ensure his second Olympics appearance.
“It was a long journey until I qualified this time. God’s blessings and team’s hard work has brought me to this spot and I am really happy to have booked my ticket to Rio,” Thapa told The Hindu from Quian’an.
“I believe in hard work and I feel very motivated with the strong and supportive team that we have. The toughest part is when we bleed and sweat during our training and the sweetest part is when the hand is raised as the winner,” said Thapa, who will meet Thai boxer Chatchai Butdee in the final.
L. Devendro Singh (49kg), who lost to Rogen Ladon of Philippines in the semifinals, will fight against Gan-Erdene Gankhuyag of Mongolia in his quest for an Olympic quota place. Three boxers in each weight will qualify for the Olympics.
Heartbreak for Mary KomMeanwhile, London Olympics bronze medallist M.C. Mary Kom (51kg) lost to old foe Ren Cancan of China in the semifinals to miss out on an Olympic berth. In the women’s section, only the finalists will make it to Rio. Multiple Asian champion L. Sarita Devi (60kg) lost in the second round.
Nevertheless, they will have another chance to make it to Rio through a qualifying event later this year.
