Motivated for Asian Games, Shiva Thapa reappears as an improved version

06/30/2018

After clearing the trials for the 60 kg lightweight category, Shiva Thapa has secured himself a place in the Indian boxing team for the Asian Games with an improved technique. According to him, even the CWG miss couldn't deviate him from the path of reviving his position in the boxing arena.

Shiva’s return to the ring can be viewed as a revision from the from the 56 kg division to the 60 kg lightweight division. Qualifying for the Asian Games, it is apparent that his constant efforts and stubborn determination has lead him to the Asian Games Squad.

“Ups and downs, doubts will always be part of the life. But even during my downfall, I had to believe that there was a way back. I feel lucky getting back in the mix,” Shiva said.

Thapa had been an exceptional success in the bantamweight division. Making two Olympic appearances and clinching a bronze medal in World Championships along with a bronze and gold at Asian Championships in the 56 kg division, Shiva decided to align his focus in the 60 kg division.

Initiating this change with a win over Rio Olympic bronze medallist Dorjnyambuu Otgondalai in the last year's Asian Championships, Shiva made a promising entry in the lightweight division. Even after he lost his Commonwealth Games position to Manish Kaushik, he still has been a tenacious force, working towards improving his technique.

“It’s about those nine minutes. If you’re not 100 percent fit and prepared for those nine minutes, your four years go down the drain. After the CWG miss, I had to keep faith and work harder on myself, which helped me get the performances,” Shiva added.

“That transition, along with the weight division switch, was tough initially but the more you compete, the faster you learn. I had to work on the physical aspect, the power a lot. But I have performed at the international level now and feel comfortable as a lightweight."

Coach Santiago Nieva has also appreciated the gradual change in his game skills. According to him, Shiva's basics have improved along with the general awareness one possesses inside the ring.

“He’s a world-class boxer but there were little things to take care of. Till last year, he would only aim for the head. Now he realises the importance of body shots and mixes it up. He doesn’t go off-balance while throwing either. Tactically he’s better, but more importantly, the hunger he showed in the gym and in training kept him in the fray always. After missing Commonwealth, it became his mission to get back to the top,” said Coach Nieva.

Motivated for Asian Games, Shiva Thapa reappears as an improved version

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