Olympic—bound Indian boxers Shiva Thapa and Vikas Krishan started their build—up for the mega—event on a winning note by entering the second round of the third International Republic of Kazakhstan President’s Cup in Almaty.
After a scintillating performance at the AIBA Asian Olympic Qualifying Event, Youth Olympic silver medallist Shiva (56kg) and World Championship bronze medallist Vikas (69kg) registered contrasting wins on the opening day of the event.
While Shiva had to dig deep against Prudkiy Oleg of Ukraine, Vikas powered through with ease against local lad Ashkeev Madiyar.
Shiva, who secured his London Olympics berth en route to winning gold at the Asian Olympic Qualifiers in Astana last month, faced some tough opposition from the Ukrainian boxer.
He was down a point after the opening three minutes of play (3—4) but came back strongly in the second round.
With some swift counter—attacks and combinations, the 18—year—old turned the table and soon gained the advantage (8—7).
In the final round every time Prudkiy stuck, Shiva immediately reciprocated with his lightening fast jabs. He finally won the contest 12—10.
Shiva, the youngest Indian boxer to secure an Olympic berth, will have to be on the top of his game in the next round as he takes on Cuban boxer Alvanes Estrado.
In the welter weight division, Vikas faced little resistance from Ashkeev Madiyar of the Almaty team.
